Governor Dunleavy Shares Statement on Actions Taken in Alaska State Legislature

HB 2001: “Government shouldn’t tax your PFD, it should spend less”

SB 2002: “Today’s action represents an important step in the Legislature bringing this gridlock to an end”


July 29, 2019 (Anchorage, AK) – Alaska Governor Michael J. Dunleavy today commented on the Alaska State Legislature’s passage of HB 2001, legislation that robs Alaskans of a statutory Permanent Fund Dividend and restores previously vetoed budget items, and SB 2002, a capital budget that provides funding for various priorities and necessary federal matching funds for critical highway, transportation and safe water projects:

HB 2001:

“Four short years ago, no politician would have thought about taking the PFD without working with Alaskans. For decades, the PFD grew under the protection of the people and benevolent politicians. However, today it appears work has been completed by those intent on killing the PFD – representing a major setback for those that believe in following the law and a sustainable government. Unfortunately, with this action the PFD is no longer a dividend, but a primary source for government spending and growth.”

“Taking the PFD is the first in a series of taxes that will continue to prop up government and spend beyond our means. Unfortunately, a number of legislators continue to drive a false narrative – a choice between a full PFD or essential operations of government. The reality is, only those intent on using the Earnings Reserve as a government revenue source believe the PFD and the budget should be connected. The government shouldn’t be taxing your PFD, it should be spending less.”

“The add-backs to spending – to the tune of $400 million – are yet another attempt to blow up the size of government. I stand by the decisions made on June 28th and the focus we’ve made on providing a sustainable budget and sustainable systems. These reductions are not meant to harm Alaska or Alaskans, but to turn the corner and make the necessary changes in order to put Alaska on a sustainable path forward. While we will consider a limited number of additions to the budget, we consider the vast majority of the FY20 budget final. It’s time to move forward.”

SB 2002:

“While months overdue, today’s action represents an important step in the Legislature bringing this gridlock to an end,” said Governor Dunleavy. “My team and I will be thoroughly reviewing the details of this bill, but believe it represents significant progress in moving Alaska forward, particularly for items like the Alaska Performance Scholarship, WWAMI, PCE, and efforts to capture more than $1 billion in federal transportation and infrastructure dollars – critical to keeping our economy growing and our communities moving. Somewhat lost in the political theater, this package also provides critical funding to implement HB 49, legislation that provides Alaska the tools and resources to improve public safety. While sentencing is one important aspect in addressing Alaska’s public safety crisis, supporting our law enforcement agencies with the resources they need to do their job is a cornerstone of this administration. While I intend to sign SB2002, I will exercise my line-item veto authority where necessary.”



[For a more detailed discussion of the bills, read the SitNews article [here].