It is, however, surprising how much Alaskans are determined not to lose a cent of their PFD considering how much most Alaskans usually claim to be against "government handouts." The PFD is, by definition, a government handout. Most Alaskans do not take a direct part in the creation of the revenue which generates. Meanwhile, the PFD is given to everyone who lives here, including infants born the year before. Again, I approve of this concept. By providing all Alaskan citizens the same base amount, the economy improves as more people now have funds to buy the things they want. This generates more revenue, grows jobs, and makes for a healthier overall economy.
However, it is not a benefit to the economy if generating those funds requires cuts in the basic services that the state provides. The poor and disabled are often the direct targets of such cuts, and as they do not have the financial clout to pay for politicians (as oil companies here do), they are the easiest targets. It does them little good to receive a check for a thousand or two when their services are cut by the tens of thousands. It does little good for parents if they receive a check for a couple thousand, but then see their children's education cut by more than that per student.
Now, personally, I believe that the state government can generate more revenue (in both the short and long term) by reevaluating the deals that have been made with oil companies in this state. I know that we should fix the loophole that allows other states to charge income tax on non-Alaskan residents who work in Alaska. I believe that the poorly designed Tier III and IV retirement systems have actually caused a greater (and growing) liability to the state that must be rectified.
It's for these reasons that I also believe that the PFD should not be doubled these next couple of years, especially at the expense of needed programs and services.