PFD and school funding keys to balanced state budget

Mat-Su Republicans speak about the state budget

The Legislature is in a tough spot on the budget. The House Finance Committee is having a hard time writing a spending plan is in balance with income and also pays a very large “full” Permanent Fund Dividend, or PFD.

PFD and school funding keys to balanced state budget

By: Anna LionasLegislators are working to balance the state operating budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1, with school funding and Permanent Fund dividends at the forefront of the conversation. Both are likely to be reduced from last week’s House Finance Committee budget proposal, but by how much is still in question. That budget included a PFD of roughly $3,900 — the highest ever — which House leaders said this week is obviously unaff…