Issue Position: Permanent Fund/Dividend

Issue Position

The permanent fund is a true treasure, no other state has anything like it. It must be protected, and if it's handled correctly it will be around for many generations providing amazing benefits to all Alaskans. I believe a 50/50 split between the government and the people of the permanent fund earnings is the only appropriate answer and that formula should be enshrined in the constitution.

The dividend is a direct infusion of outside money into our state and a boon to our economy. It is a significant percentage of lower income Alaskans earnings as well as a terrific savings plan for children's post high school education. Perhaps most importantly, a 50/50 split limits what the government can take from the earnings and acts as a speed brake on what government can spend.

Any plan that allows it to be changed by future legislatures and governors will almost certainly mean more will be taken to pay for government, history teaches us this lesson.

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