Inflation and the rapidly rising gasoline prices across Alaska appears to be the culprit behind a proposal that will be introduced by the Alaska House Coalition. Preceding the House Finance Committee introducing the Operating Budget Committee Substitute to pay Alaskans a one-time Energy Relief Check in addition to the annual Permanent Fund Dividend. The $1,300 check will help supplement Alaskans who are hurting from skyrocketing fuel costs, record inflation, and recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.
House Coalition members feel that this influx of new revenue to the state would help alleviate the negative financial consequences brought upon by the COVID-19 pandemic and the escalating energy costs.
Rep. Kelly Merrick said:
“As the Co-Chair of the House Finance Committee, I see the budget impacts that high energy prices are having on Alaskan families. With the amount of revenue coming through the state right now, providing an Energy Relief Check is the right thing to do.”
Rep. Bryce Edgmon added:
“Fuel prices could very well double by the end of the year. This Energy Relief Check will provide immediate assistance to the Alaskans who are bearing the brunt of these sharply climbing energy costs.”
No sooner was that announcement made, candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor, Bill Walker and Heidi Drygas endorsed the concept of the one-time supplemental relief payment to Alaskans saying that the highest oil prices in more than a decade are boosting state revenue and making it hard for people to heat their homes.