Let's properly identify the PFD - it is state welfare. It is not given based on need.  It is not prorated to one's circumstances. It distorts family behavior.  It is a disincentive to industrious behavior.  The L48 came to those conclusions when it approved Federal Welfare Reform in 1996. Yet some Alaskan legislators persist with the myth that the PFD is sacrosanct. Government has no business giving money to all citizens. Indeed, government has a responsibility aiding those physically or emotionally disadvantaged, but the ubiquitous PFD is foolish and incredibly wasteful.  It gets even more outlandish when the legislature considers a broad based tax.  Consider if you will the government distributing PFDs through one agency and collecting your new taxes through another new agency.  It is absurd.