ALASKA BUDGET

Alaska’s state budget talks just got heated over how much money each resident should get from the Permanent Fund dividend—a yearly cash payout meant to share oil wealth. A key committee voted 6-5 to move forward with a plan that could send residents around $3, 800 each, but only if they dip deep int

Alaska's budget process is stuck in the past. The state's constitution demands an unusually high threshold for overriding a governor's veto on budget matters. This rule, requiring three-fourths of legislators to agree, makes it tough for the public's voice to be heard. It's time to update this rule