Dear District 18 Resident:

You may have read or heard about Senator Mackie's proposal to give each currently eligible Alaskan a one-time Permanent Fund Dividend cash-out of $25,000, to end the PFD program thereafter and then use the Permanent Fund to fund state government expenses as was initially envisioned.

Undoubtedly, most Alaskans could use an extra $25,000 and would spend it well. While the discussion about this proposal is just beginning, I'm sure there will be many questions raised. Here are a few that come to my mind.

1. The original intent of the PFD was to create public support for continuing the corpus of the Permanent Fund. Would this cash-out eliminate the public's support and encourage an eventual total cash-out of the Permanent Fund?
2. If, at the time of this cash-out, the market is in a down turn, should the cash-out plan continue even if there would be substantial market losses?
3. Should minor children's $25,000 be placed in escrow until they are 18 years old?
4. Will the proposed PFD cash-out have a negative effect on the federal funds that Congress appropriates to Alaska?
5. What impact will this have on families that have both pre- and post-cash-out children?
6. Will this proposal stimulate local economies so that they will be able to provide services currently provided by the state?
7. Alaska grew only by 5,000 people last year. What impact will this proposal have on immigration to Alaska?
8. What would the impacts be on the state and local economies?
9. What are the federal tax implications of putting people in a higher tax bracket?
10. What health and safety concerns would arise from an overheated economy?

I would be very interested in hearing your advice and any concerns or questions that you may have.

Sincerely,

Con

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