Congressman Begich Highlights New Standard for Alaska in Annual Address to Legislature and Announces Bill to Make PFD Tax-Free

JUNEAU, AK. - March. 10, 2026 - Today, Congressman Nick Begich (R-AK) addressed a joint session of the Alaska State Legislature, outlining major federal achievements for Alaska during his first year in Congress and calling on state leaders to match the pace of progress now underway in Washington, D.C.

In his remarks, Congressman Begich highlighted significant legislative accomplishments impacting Alaska, including reopening access to federal lands for responsible energy development, securing historic investments in Arctic defense and aviation safety, advancing fisheries accountability efforts, and delivering major tax relief for American families.

Congressman Begich also announced the introduction of H.R. 7760, legislation he sponsored to make the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend federally tax-free, ensuring Alaskans retain the full value of their dividend payments.

"For decades, the Permanent Fund Dividend has represented something unique in American governance," said Congressman Begich. "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."

During his address, Congressman Begich also highlighted major national legislation aimed at lowering costs for working Americans, including provisions 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 the small business tax deduction permanent.

He also emphasized that Alaska is entering a new era of economic opportunity following major legislative victories reopening energy development opportunities in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and other resource areas.

"These are not symbolic victories," said Congressman Begich. "These are hard-fought, durable results written into law that will shape Alaska's future for generations."

Congressman Begich pointed to a historic $50 billion Rural Health Transformation investment secured through Congress, which will deliver more than $272 million annually to Alaska to strengthen rural health care access and stabilize medical providers across the state.

While highlighting federal progress, Congressman Begich called on the Alaska Legislature to act on several state-level priorities, including workforce development, fisheries governance reforms, Alaska LNG enabling legislation, and ensuring the Permanent Fund Dividend reflects the original promise made to Alaskans at statehood.

"The federal barriers are coming down," said Congressman Begich. "The permits are getting done. The investments are flowing. Now Alaska must deliver."

Congressman Begich's full speech can be viewed here.

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