The base student allocation that helps fund education in Alaska has been mostly capped since 2017. Inflation since then has increasingly eroded school districts’ ability to keep schools open and functioning at their best levels.
A Permanent Fund dividend proposed to be $3,800-$4,000 ($2.1 billion) doesn’t pay for roads, schools, public safety or even snow removal, but a significant amount goes to pay federal income taxes.
The education of young people is tied definitely to future economic growth, spreading of new ideas and administration of current needs.
The state of Alaska needs a significant increase to the base student allocation. The Senate has proposed a $1,000 increase. That’s a great starting point.
— Sammy Crawford
Kenai
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