ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy has proposed doing away with Alaska’s practice of providing payments so people don’t lose food stamps and other benefits after Permanent Fund dividends arrive. The Anchorage Daily News reports some lawmakers are criticizing the move, calling it a direct hit to rural and underprivileged residents. Office of Management and Budget Chief Budget Analyst Neil Steininger says state officials are in the process of drafting legislation that would eliminate the hold-harmless provision. The plan is part of Dunleavy’s proposal to close a $1.6 billion budget deficit.

Source: thestar February 19, 2019 05:15 UTC