Legislative leaders talk about dividends and taxes

Legislative leaders focused on the Permanent Fund dividend and taxes as they described the budget choices facing lawmakers trying to find a combination that will win enough political support to balance state spending.

“The dividend has been the massive rock in the middle of the road,” making it difficult to find an affordable path to a long-term state fiscal plan, Anchorage Sen. Cathy Giessel, the Senate majority leader, said during an online discussion with Alaska Common Ground last week.

“The dividend provides a lot of benefits to Alaska families,” added Anchorage Rep. Calvin Schrage, the Ho...