2014 was the first time in Alaska history that the legislature and governor used the PFD earnings reserve to pay for state government. Since then, cutting PFD checks to balance the budget has been the first revenue option for many in Juneau. Not only is this a regressive tax on Alaskans, but it is not sustainable as PFD earnings drop from smaller returns on investments. We must protect the PFD as a vital institution for Alaska Families and local economies.