Legislature(2019 - 2020)
2020-02-19 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2020-02-19 Senate Journal Page 1788 SB 205 SENATE BILL NO. 205 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act directing the commissioner of revenue to pay dividends to certain eligible individuals; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Revenue Governor's transmittal letter dated February 18: Dear President Giessel: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill that directs the payment of the unpaid amount of the 2019 Permanent Fund dividend. The payment of 2020-02-19 Senate Journal Page 1789 the unpaid amount will be distributed to eligible individuals in 2020. An individual is eligible to receive the unpaid amount of the 2019 Permanent Fund dividend if the individual received a 2019 Permanent Fund dividend and is eligible to receive the 2020 Permanent Fund dividend. The Permanent Fund Dividend Program was established in 1980, to allow all Alaskans to benefit directly from Alaska’s mineral and investment wealth. For years, the Alaska State Legislature, through a carefully balanced statutory formula has assured a dividend payment that keeps the Permanent Fund on a healthy financial footing, while at the same time directly benefitting the mineral owners, Alaskans themselves. For the past four years, the statutory calculation of the dividend has not been followed. Until such a time that the statutory calculation is amended, I intend to follow the law and submit requests to pay the unpaid amounts. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor