A bit of information about Alaska and it's Dividend Checks

[Bandit]

I would like to offer some information about Alaska and it's Dividend Checks paid out annually to every single Alaskan. First off the checks come from what is called a Permanent Fund (bank account). Well not exactly from the fund itself but from interest on the fund and investments made from the fund. Granted the origin of this fund came from Oil Royalties but it pretty much stands on it's own now. It was decided when oil was first discovered that it belonged to all Alaskans and all Alaskans should share in the bounty. The way it works, the proceeds from investments and interest is divided three ways. Fifty percent goes back into the fund to grow it so it is constantly getting larger. Twenty-five percent goes to state coffers to help run the state. Twenty-five percent gets distributed among all Alaskans in the form of an Annual dividend check issued in October. This is a huge boon to Alaska's economy in a month that had historically been a poor month. Everybody receives a check and immediately spends it on "whatever" giving quite the stimuli at a time most needed. Business loves this time of year now. If one stops to think about this policy I think you may agree it is very good policy. It encourages saving at state level and provides economic stimuli at a needed time. My question to all here is instead of bashing Alaska for the way it provides for it's citizens why don't you ask your own legislators why no such program exists in your own state. Or for that matter in the USA as a whole. After all, Natural Resources of the US do belong to each and every one of you. The USA should have it's own "untouchable" Permanent Fund. It is not a bribe as I have heard it described but a bounty shared by all from resources owned by all.

[bearfartinthewoods]

1. how much do they get? does everyone get the same? n/t

[Bandit]

3. It varies every single year and yes everyone gets the exact same amount

It doesn't matter if you are one day old or one hundred years old. Last year I believe it was about $1700.00. A good lick for a family of four or five. This is an on-going process that has been in effect for twenty years.

[soupkitchen]

2. Everybody sharing in the wealth

Iglooism sounds like dam communism to me.
Okay, you convinced me, I'm moving North

[RobertSeattle]

7. Exactly what I was thinking

Previous mineral resources are to be owned by the few - the wealth is not too be shared! Alaska is full of socialists!

[oneighty]

4. Yes Bandit!

Yes! I have brought this subject up on DU several times.

Profits from harvesting natural resources should be shared with ALL citizens

just like in the Socialist State of ALASKA, where the conservative

Republicans rule. It is also the reason to drill for more oil in

Alaska, keep the good times rolling!

180

[Bandit]

6. I take it you are opposed to a savings account getting interest.

That is what we are talking about. It has nothing to do with oil. At least not any longer. It started with oil sales and royalties but now it is a bank account. I don't understand your anger towards this sensible economic policy.

[Caution]

5. And next time they bring up drilling in the preserve

I'll accuse them of socialism and promoting the "welfare state"

[Brian Sweat]

8. "Natural Resources of the US do belong to each and every one of you."

What kind of communist pinko talk is that? Are you a terraist? Every god fearin' Murkin knows that this countries natural resources belong to the corporations.

[ramblin_dave]

9. Why should only Alaskans get a share of this?

You ask a valid question. There's nothing special about being Alaskan. Or even American. The earth's resources belong to all of us and should be shared equitably.

[Bandit]

10. Alaskans appear to have been a little smarter than the average or else

all would be getting a share of what is rightfully theirs. My suggestion to all here is smarten up and demand your share. There is no reason on earth that with all the wealth contained within the USA that we all shouldn't share in it. I realize it is a foreign thought but ????????????????????????? Think outside the box

[sventvkg]

11. Bandit..You need to live in Alaska to understand the mentality...

Ya see..Alaskans are very very very different then ANY other state's population. By virtue of the fact that it is so far away and remote, Alaskans tend to be some of the most independant minded Americans, Democrat, Republican, or otherwise...They consider themselves Alaskans First, Americans second almost...Look at the resolution just passed about the Patriot Act..Alaskans legislators have told all state Law Enforcement NOT to cooporate with the Feds in any Law enforcement activity related to the Patriot act as they believe it's unconstitutional. Also, they just overturned the Marijuana Law, and now it's legal to have in your home for personal use up to 4 oz!!!....We are Supposedly "Republican" But Republicans up here are MILITANT Independants also so the traditional labels can not apply....Alaskans do and demand the right thing for Alaskans and basically say Fuck everyone else if they do not like it..Here's another one for you, Alaskan State Employees DO NOT PARTICIPATE IN FEDERAL SOCIAL SECURITY!!! Apparently a State CAN opt out of it(I didn't know that until recently), and AK looked at it and found that the Federal Program basically sucked and they could create a supplimental retirement program for State Employees that was much better and they did.....Everyone Liberal Democrat should visit Alaska and spend some time and get the understand why we all LOVE it up here...Oh, and Bandit, Alaskans would NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER Give up their Perminent Fund to Share with people on the "outside"...They would probably take up arms...:)