Congressman Nick Begich addressed the Alaska State Legislature on March 10, outlining federal achievements for Alaska during his first year in Congress and announcing new legislation to exempt the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend from federal taxes.
Begich said that recent legislative accomplishments have reopened access to federal lands for energy development, secured investments in Arctic defense and aviation safety, advanced fisheries accountability, and delivered tax relief for families. He emphasized that these actions represent significant progress for the state.
During his speech, Begich announced H.R. 7760, a bill he sponsored to make the Permanent Fund Dividend federally tax-free. “For decades, the Permanent Fund Dividend has represented something unique in American governance,” Begich said. “It reflects the promise made at statehood – that Alaska’s resource wealth would be shared with the people who live here. But today, the federal government taxes that dividend. My bill, H.R. 7760, aims to remedy that.”
Begich also highlighted national legislation aimed at lowering costs for working Americans by eliminating federal taxes on tips and overtime pay, providing $63 billion in tax relief for seniors through a no-tax-on-Social-Security provision, and making permanent a small business tax deduction.
He pointed out that Alaska is entering a new era of economic opportunity following legislative victories reopening energy development opportunities in areas such as the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. “These are not symbolic victories,” Begich said. “These are hard-fought, durable results written into law that will shape Alaska’s future for generations.”
Begich called on state lawmakers to act on priorities including workforce development, fisheries governance reforms, enabling legislation for Alaska LNG projects, and ensuring that the Permanent Fund Dividend continues to reflect its original intent. “The federal barriers are coming down,” he said. “The permits are getting done. The investments are flowing. Now Alaska must deliver.”
