(JUNEAU) - Representative Jay Ramras (R-Fairbanks) introduced House Bill 186 Monday, a bill that will allow Alaskans who receive the Permanent Fund Dividend to choose a quarterly payout instead of one lump-sum yearly payment. "Alaskans can choose how they spend their Permanent Fund Dividend, and they should have some choice as to how they receive it," said Representative Ramras.

"The Permanent Fund should offer more features. First and foremost, we should protect the Dividend Program, but once we satisfy this need we ought to institute more dynamic applications regarding how we make the Permanent Fund accessible to the citizens of Alaska. The quarterly payout mechanism would allow some families and individuals to use their Permanent Fund as a household budgeting tool."

The quarterly distribution of the Permanent Fund Dividend would begin in January 2006, with quarterly payments being distributed in October, January, April and July in equal installments. Due to potential costs associated with distributing a paper check, the quarterly distribution will be only available to those that choose the direct deposit option when filing their application.

The quarterly PFD payout is not recommended for those receiving public assistance, as it may interfere with the availability of public assistance.

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