Rep. Ben Carpenter, a Nikiski Republican, speaks during floor debate of a joint session of the Alaska State Legislature on Monday, March 18, 2024. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Rep. Ben Carpenter, a Nikiski Republican, speaks during floor debate of a joint session of the Alaska State Legislature on Monday, March 18, 2024. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Rep. Ben Carpenter: A missed opportunity to secure then future of the permanent fund

Capitol Corner: Legislators report back from Juneau

The Alaska House of Representatives had the opportunity this week to vote on the House Ways and Means Committee’s constitutional amendment that would put to the voters whether they wanted to secure the future of the Permanent Fund and the Permanent Fund Dividend. Sadly, the House did not vote to do so.

Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) has long been a vital aspect of the state’s economy, providing residents with an annual source of income. However, recent challenges have threatened the future of this essential program. Government growth over the last decade has been funded by reducing the PFD. The continued growth will only consume it entirely.

House Joint Resolution 7 sought to return control of the PFD to the people of Alaska by allowing them to vote on the constitutional amendment. If voted yes by Alaskans, the resolution would have removed the dividend from the annual budget process, providing citizens with a direct say in how the dividend is managed. By reinstating the practice that has been in law for decades, the amendment would have ensured that dividends are paid to eligible residents without the need for annual appropriations, promoting transparency and stability in the distribution process.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

HJR 7 would have reflected a commitment to democratic principles by placing these proposed amendments before the voters in the November election. By actively involving the electorate in the decision-making process, the amendment sought to strengthen the relationship between the government and the people, fostering a sense of collective responsibility and empowerment among citizens.

Additionally, the amendment would have ensured the long-term prosperity of Alaska by constitutionally enshrining the Permanent Fund Dividend, providing a solid foundation for future generations, ensuring that the benefits of the fund continue to reach Alaskans for years to come.

The Alaska House had a clear and straightforward solution to the challenges facing the Permanent Fund Dividend. By reaffirming the commitment to paying the dividend, ensuring transparency and consistency, the amendment would have laid the groundwork for a stable and prosperous future for Alaska and its residents. I remain committed and hopeful that in the future we will allow Alaskans to vote to secure the future of the Permanent Fund Dividend for generations to come.

Ben Carpenter, representative for House District 8, is chairman of the Ways & Means Committee. Contact Rep.Ben.Carpenter@akleg.gov or call 907-465-3779. Visit https://bencarpenterpost.com/.

More in Opinion

Courtesy/Chris Arend
Opinion: Protect Alaska renewable energy projects

The recently passed House budget reconciliation bill puts important projects and jobs at risk.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R-Alaska) speaks to reporters about his decision to veto an education funding bill at the Alaska State Capitol on Thursday, April 17, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire file photo)
Opinion: The fight for Alaska’s future begins in the classroom

The fight I’ve been leading isn’t about politics — it’s about priorities.

Dick Maitland, a foley artist, works on the 46th season of “Sesame Street” at Kaufman Astoria Studios in New York, Dec. 15, 2025. (Ariana McLaughlin/The New York Times)
Opinion: Trump’s embarrassing immaturity Republicans won’t acknowledge

Sullivan should be embarrassed by the ignorance and immaturity the president is putting on display for the world to see.

Rep. Justin Ruffridge, R-Soldotna, speaks in support of debating an omnibus education bill in the Alaska House Chambers on Monday, Feb. 19, 2024 in Juneau, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Capitol Corner: Choosing our priorities wisely

Rep. Justin Ruffridge reports back from Juneau.

Sen. Jesse Bjorkman, R-Nikiski, speaks in support overriding Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s veto of House Bill 69 at the Alaska Capitol in Juneau, Alaska, on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (Mark Sabbatini/Juneau Empire)
Capitol Corner: As session nears end, pace picks up in Juneau

Sen. Jesse Bjorkman reports back from Juneau.

Former Gov. Frank Murkowski speaks on a range of subjects during an interview with the Juneau Empire in May 2019. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
Opinion: The Jones Act — crass protectionism, but for whom?

Alaska is dependent on the few U.S.-built ships carrying supplies from Washington state to Alaska.

Sockeye salmon caught in a set gillnet are dragged up onto the beach at a test site for selective harvest setnet gear in Kenai, Alaska, on Tuesday, July 25, 2023. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Capitol Corner: Creating opportunities with better fishery management

Sen. Jesse Bjorkman reports back from Juneau.

The ranked choice outcome for Alaska’s U.S. Senate race is shown during an Alaska Public Media broadcast on Nov. 24, 2022. (Alaska Division of Elections)
Opinion: Alaska should keep ranked choice voting, but let’s make it easier

RCV has given Alaskans a better way to express their preferences.

Cook Inlet can be seen at low tide from North Kenai Beach on June 15, 2022, in Kenai, Alaska. (Photo by Erin Thompson/Peninsula Clarion)
Opinion: Solving the Cook Inlet gas crisis

While importing LNG is necessary in the short term, the Kenai Peninsula is in dire need of a stable long-term solution.

Alaska Department of Education and Early Development Commissioner Deena Bishop and Gov. Mike Dunleavy discuss his veto of an education bill during a press conference March 15, 2024, at the Alaska State Capitol. (Mark Sabbatini/Juneau Empire file photo)
Opinion: Strong policy, proven results

Why policy and funding go hand in hand.

The Alaska State Capitol on March 1. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Opinion: Keep Alaska open for business

Our job as lawmakers is to ensure that laws passed at the ballot box work effectively on the ground.

Image provided by the Office of Mayor Peter Micciche.
Opinion: Taxes, adequate education funding and putting something back into your pocket

Kenai Peninsula Borough taxpayers simply can’t make a dent in the education funding deficit by themselves, nor should they be asked to do so.