Representative Carpenter (R- District 8) Chair of House Ways and Means introduced by committee two constitutional amendments to provide options to the Permanent Fund Dividend debate, Monday March 6th, 2023.
House Joint Resolution 7 and House Joint Resolution 8 are bills crafted to ensure Alaskans receive a PFD and the State is held accountable to a formula.
By solidifying the formula into the State constitution through HJR 7, the annual PFD formula will be in statute, and not left to the whims of an annual appropriations process.
House Joint Resolution 8 offers Alaskans the reliability and confidence of knowing that the PFD program would be assured.
“This session is our opportunity to introduce solutions, to start acting on a big picture fiscal plan and do what’s best for Alaskans”.
“Taking the PFD away from the budget process will no longer permit lawmakers to spend Alaskans’ money while avoiding their obligation to address the shortcomings of Alaska’s fiscal and economic plan,” said Rep. Carpenter.
“Securing the PFD program in the Alaska Constitution will create stability for Alaskans and ensure the prosperity of the Permanent Fund for generations of Alaskans to come,” said Rep. Carpenter.
The House Ways and Means Committee plans to take up multiple PFD Solutions and to weigh which solution will be best for Alaskan’s. The Committee will be taking Public Testimony this Saturday, March 11th at 9 o’clock in the morning, on the bills presented this week in the committee.
