Alaskans Cashing In

Seriously, you think a community organizer could get you a few thousand bucks?

It's the season for Alaskans to be rewarded just for living here and this year's take is extra sweet: $3,269, a record share of the state's oil wealth combined with a special cash payout to help with stratospheric energy prices.

Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell announced Friday that every eligible man, woman and child will receive $2,069, thanks to this year's annual payment from the state's oil royalty program. On top of that, the checks will include an additional $1,200 from the state treasury to help offset soaring fuel prices.

The one-time energy boost was proposed by Gov. Sarah Palin in May and approved by state lawmakers last month. Palin has since been tapped as the running mate of Republican presidential nominee John McCain. It fell to Parnell to make Friday's announcement on the dividend because Palin is out of state.

"The royalty dollars that flow through the state are the people's wealth," said Parnell. "The $1,200 resource rebate goes to that philosophy."

In addition to the $1,200 payments, the Legislature also approved Palin's proposal to suspend the state's 8-cents-a-gallon gasoline tax for a year.

Past dividend payments ranged from $331 to $1,963 in 2000. Last year's payout was $1,654. People must live in Alaska one calendar year to qualify. For residents in Alaska's rural communities, the money can't arrive at a more crucial time.