With spiraling fuel costs putting many Interior Alaska families in the unenviable position of having to choose between food or heat, the Governor and Legislature have decided to take action.
While it can't be described as a perfect solution... I'm not even sure one exists… the Governor and Legislature have made a step in the right direction. With fuel costs among the highest in the nation and winter fast approaching, participating Alaskan's can expect to see an additional $1,200 "resource rebate" included with their Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend this year. This one-time energy relief payout from the state treasury is the product of an energy relief package the Legislature passed two weeks ago.
While the amount of the 2008 PFD hasn't been announced yet, it's widely expected to be in the $2,100 range, per person. With the added resource rebate, each qualifying Alaskan will receive approximately $3,300. This will certainly be a help for those folks who are feeling the pinch from higher energy prices.
Rather than wait for the traditional early October disbursement, Governor Palin announced today the first round of checks would be deposited beginning September 12th. Those who signed up for direct deposit will begin receiving their checks in the first round followed by those receiving a check in the mail.
To be eligible for a PFD, you must have been an Alaska resident for the entire calendar year preceding the date you apply for a divide and intend to remain an Alaska resident indefinitely at the time you apply for a dividend. Unfortunately this will exclude some members of the armed forces stationed at Eielson Air Force Base and Fort Wainwright as many are new to Alaska. The men and women of the Army and Air Force who have met the eligibility requirements (and have applied) will receive a permanent fund dividend check. Read the eligibility requirements.
If you're in the military, to be eligible to receive a 2008 PFD check, you'll need to...
* have arrived in Alaska before January 1, 2007.
* Obtain an Alaska drivers license, register to vote, register a vehicle or sign a lease for off-post housing (or purchase a home). In other words, become part of the community.
* Maintain your Alaskan residency at all times during the qualifying year and intend to remain an Alaskan resident indefinitely.
* Claim Alaska as your state of legal residence with the military before January 1st of the year before the qualifying year.
Have specific questions? Contact your local Permanent Fund Dividend office:
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Elizabeth Ladewig 616 E Street Anchorage, Alaska 99501
Phone: (907) 269-0370 |
Fairbanks Marjorie Marlow 1005 Cushman Street Fairbanks, Alaska 99701
Phone: (907) 451-2820 |
Skyler Lashley 333 Willoughby Avenue Juneau, Alaska 99811-0461
Phone: (907) 465-2326 |
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Former Fairbanksan and UAF multiple national champion, Matt Emmons, has won the Silver in the 50 meter prone rifle event in Beijing. Emmons won the Gold for the same event at the 2004 Summer Olympics.
