EconomyAnchorage · June 12, 2026
your last pfd check
A candidate for governor wants to write every eligible Alaskan a ten-thousand-dollar check and then end the PFD forever.
Daily Alaska staff · June 12, 2026 · Anchorage
Former Governor Bill Walker, running as an independent in Alaska's 2026 governor's race, has proposed giving every eligible Alaskan a one-time payment of $10,000 and then permanently ending the Permanent Fund Dividend program. Walker's running mate is Randy Hoffbeck, Alaska's former Revenue Commissioner. Together they call the annual PFD fight "the 600-pound gorilla" that has consumed every legislative budget session for years without resolution.
The $10,000 figure is based on what is currently in the Permanent Fund's earnings reserve. With more than 600,000 Alaskans having applied for last year's dividend, the total cost of the payout would be about $6.2 billion.
The $89 billion Permanent Fund itself would remain untouched and would continue funding state government. Only the annual dividend check would end. Walker says he would survey Alaskans through a question on the 2027 PFD application, and if the response is overwhelmingly favorable, he would bring the proposal to the legislature for a vote.
This year's PFD was $1,200. Last year it was $1,000. Walker and Hoffbeck argue that the formula meant to set the full dividend has not been financially realistic for years, and that the annual standoff over the number has cost the state its ability to focus on other issues.
Democrat Tom Begich, another candidate in the race, called the plan fiscally irresponsible. Walker says the key difference is that his proposal is a one-time exit, not another promise that keeps being made without being delivered. There are 17 candidates in Alaska's 2026 governor's race.
In this story
Questions people ask
How much would the one-time PFD payout be under Walker's plan?
Bill Walker proposes $10,000 to every eligible Alaskan, then ending the dividend permanently. That's a one-time check instead of what you get each year now.
Would Alaska's Permanent Fund itself get spent down?
No. The $89 billion Permanent Fund stays intact and keeps funding state government. Only the annual dividend check would end.
How would Walker's PFD plan become reality?
Walker says he'd survey Alaskans via a question on the 2027 PFD application, and if support is overwhelming, bring it to the legislature for a vote.
Who's opposed to ending the PFD?
Democrat Tom Begich called the plan fiscally irresponsible.
Evidence
Sources
Claims and where they come from
- Bill Walker proposed a one-time $10,000 payment to every eligible Alaskan followed by ending the PFD program permanently. · alaskapublic.org
- Randy Hoffbeck, Alaska's former Revenue Commissioner, is Walker's running mate. · alaskapublic.org
- More than 600,000 Alaskans applied for last year's PFD, making the $10,000 payout cost about $6.2 billion. · alaskapublic.org
- This year's PFD was $1,200 and last year's was $1,000. · alaskapublic.org
- Democrat Tom Begich called Walker's plan fiscally irresponsible. · alaskapublic.org
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