Dividend dispute presents an elephant-sized dilemma for Alaska lawmakers in special session
JUNEAU — As they begin their first special session of 2019, Alaska lawmakers seem to have solved their crime legislation logjam. Now, they will turn their attention to the Permanent Fund dividend, but a quick solution isn’t likely.
Complicating matters, Gov. Mike Dunleavy has tied a decision on the dividend to the state operating budget. Without agreement on a dividend, lawmakers cannot finish the state’s operating budget and capital budget. The state is on track for a government shutdown on July 1.
“The big issue is going to be the Permanent Fund Dividend. That’s going to be the elephant in the room,” Speaker of the House Bryce Edgmon, I-Dillingham, said Friday.
“That is the elephant in the room that’s stepping on all of us,” said Senate President Cathy Giessel, R-Anchorage.
Read more: https://www.adn.com/politics/alaska-legislature/2019/05/18/dividend-dispute-presents-an-elephant-sized-dilemma-for-alaska-lawmakers-in-special-session/