Lawmakers worry PFD legislation could handcuff state spending

Alaska lawmakers are raising alarm over a provision of a bill that would cut Permanent Fund dividends and draw on fund earnings to pay for state spending. The provision would prevent the bulk of state revenue from keeping pace with inflation.
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Rep. Les Gara, D- Anchorage, speaks during a House floor session, Feb. 8, 2016. (Photo by Skip Gray/360 North)This could have the effect of steadily eroding the amount available for government spending – from state aid for schools to ca