JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) - A state senator from Wasilla plans to introduce legislation that would restore the portion of Alaska Permanent Fund dividends vetoed by Gov. Bill Walker.
Sen. Mike Dunleavy says he hopes the issue gets immediate attention once the Legislature convenes in January. If it passes, Walker could veto it. But Dunleavy believes there could be sufficient support to override any veto.
Lawmakers earlier this year declined to hold a veto override session to consider reversing the cut.
This comes as a state court judge plans to hear a lawsuit from Sen. Bill Wielechowski and others challenging the reduction. The parties hope for a decision by early December. However, the matter still could be appealed.
Dunleavy’s Anchorage news conference was interrupted by two men angry about the dividend reduction. Walker has called the cut necessary as the state grapples with a deficit.
Dunleavy says Walker is trying to help the state but he disagrees with the approach Walker took.
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