Legislature sends Governor another operating budget with smaller PFD

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Monday, July 29th, 2019 2:42pm

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Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - Monday's legislative debate resulted in lawmakers sending Governor Dunleavy yet another operating budget bill to consider.

During its debate, the State Senate opted for a Permanent Fund Dividend of about $1,600.

The Senate Finance Committee had voted 5 to 4 for a $3,000 dividend as proposed by the Governor.   An amendment was offered to lower that figure.

The amendment was approved on a narrow 11 to 9 vote.  

Other amendments restored funding for the school debt reimbursement program and for maintenance of rural schools.

Over $300 Million of funding vetoed by Governor Dunleavy was restored in HB 2001.

The full bill was approved 17 to 1 with Anchorage Senator Lorna Reinbold the lone dissenting vote.

A short while after the Senate debate, the House concurred with Senate changes on a 23 to 15 vote.

There was a motion to adjourn until Wednesday, but members of the minority amended the motion to call for a sine die adjournment to bring the special session to a close.

The amended motion was defeated 23 to 15 so the House will be back in session again Wednesday morning.

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Meanwhile, Governor Dunleavy calls the legislative action a "dark day" for the PFD and for Alaskans who support the PFD and for those that are looking at a sustainable budget.  The added that the "add-backs" take the state in the other direction.

 

 

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