In two weeks, the first round of $3,200 direct payments will be distributed to qualified Alaskans. The Alaska legislature earlier this year approved a budget that calls for distributing $3,200 to eligible residents by the end of the year.
The Alaska Department of Revenue has announced that the first batch of direct payments will begin to arrive in bank accounts on September 20. Then, early October will see the delivery of paper checks.
Alaska Public Media reports that although the state Senate approved a $5,500 payment, the state House rejected the proposal. Negotiators from the two chambers sought a compromise of $3,850, which was dismissed during talks, leaving only the $3,200 amount.
Argued Increased payments are necessary due to inflation, rising energy prices, and other issues that strain Alaskans’ everyday budgets. According to the report, the $3,200 amount represents one of the most significant payments in state history and comes from the Permanent Fund dividend.
The proposed law was included in the state’s budget, which was among the largest in history, and was made by Governor Mike Dunleavy in June. This budget is a blueprint for Alaska’s future, not just a spending plan. In my opinion, Budgets should reflect the goals and values of the people for whom they are intended, and this legislation does that, said Dunleavy.
