"Lyman Hoffman"

Analysts project that if the Legislature were to combine the dividend with COVID-19 relief, the state would have to make the first unplanned draw from permanent fund earnings.

After thinking about it for a year, Gov. Mike Dunleavy says he’s not opposed to putting budget cuts to a vote of the people.

The vote of 37-20 fell short of the 45 votes needed.

While there won’t be a formal way to override the vetoes after Friday, there may be another path to restoring funding for some line items.

Alaska legislators gathered in two different places on Monday, with different messages about state law, permanent fund dividends and Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s line-item vetoes.

Splitting the draw from permanent fund earnings between government and dividends would make dividends more predictable.

Alaska lawmakers got some answers this week about the effects of potential budget cuts, but they still face a lot of uncertainty as they weigh funding for government services and permanent fund dividends — or whether to reopen a debate on taxes.

Senators reviewing Gov. Michael Dunleavy’s budget proposal say there’s value in keeping a fund that’s intended to equalize the cost of supplying power to rural Alaska.

Anchorage Republican Sen. Natasha von Imhof said that to maintain Dunleavy’s commitment to full permanent fund dividends — without having an income tax — would require cuts on the scale he’s proposed.

Gov. Michael Dunleavy has proposed pulling back $3 million in unspent money for the Village Public Safety Officer program. Some Alaska lawmakers expressed dismay at the proposed cuts.