SENATOR

CATHY GIESSEL

ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE

Senate President
Sen.Cathy.Giessel@akleg.gov
907-465-4843

REPRESENTATIVE

BRYCE EDGMON
Speaker of the House
Rep.Bryce.Edgmon@akleg.gov
907-465-4451

July 31, 2019

The Honorable Michael J. Dunleavy
Governor of the State of Alaska
Alaska State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801
Delivered Electronically

Governor Dunleavy,
As the presiding officers in the Alaska Legislature, we have appreciated the opportunity to
discuss with you matters important to the fiscal future of our state.
Among our discussions in the legislature is the future use of the earnings of the Alaska
Permanent Fund and the need to consider policy issues relevant to the long-term sustainability of
the Fund and the PFD. There is also broad recognition that given the complexity involved that
attempting to find a solution during a regular legislative session is difficult if not virtually
impractical.
We are proposing that a special session take place before the end of the 2019 calendar year to
consider the issue. Furthermore, it is our wish to work collaboratively with your administration
on the timing of the special session, the location, and the need to ensure the broadest possible
debate be facilitated relative to the critical nature of the issue under discussion.
To that end, the co-chairs of the bicameral legislative Permanent Fund Working Group have
been directed to schedule meetings as soon as practically possible. Their purpose is to do the
advance work necessary for the Legislature to meet its objective during the special session.
We thank your administration for being available to work with the PFWG and hope the
atmosphere of mutual collaboration can continue in the upcoming months. We also extend our
gratitude to you for making yourself and your team available to meet and discuss the many
important issues that came with passing operating and capital budgets during this second special
legislative session.

 Those meetings have kept our caucuses engaged on seeking alignment on issues that are critical
to Alaska. We look forward to continuing those discussions and will be available at your
convenience.

Respectfully,

Cathy Giessel
Alaska Senate President

Bryce Edgmon
Alaska House Speaker