Embattled Alaska governor scales back budget cuts, approves oil-wealth dividend of $1,600.
Many lawmakers see the calculation as unsustainable and at odds with a law passed last year seeking to limit withdrawals from permanent fund earnings for dividends and government expenses. Senate Finance Committee Co-chair Bert Stedman, a Sitka Republican, said there had been discussions this year about a formula rewrite and possible appropriation of additional funds for checks but an agreement on such a package was never reached.
Dunleavy has maintained the calculation should be followed until it’s changed and said Alaskans, via a public vote, should get a say on any proposed changes. He did not address the formula change issue in his video. Last year, lawmakers began using earnings to help pay for government costs, causing tension with the dividend program that overshadowed lawmakers’ work this year and contributed to drawn-out regular and special sessions.
In his initial veto announcement, Dunleavy defended his actions as difficult but necessary to respond to a deficit that has persisted amid low-to-middling oil prices.
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