Alaskans love their permanent fund dividends. But for the last three years the amount of the PFD was reduced in order to help balance the budget. Now, the new governor has promised to pay Alaskans for the difference, and make sure that each and every one of us gets thousands of dollars more this year.

But the state also has a $1.5 billion dollar deficit. How can lawmakers make the payments and balance the budget? The new podcast, Paying Dividends, will follow along with the legislative session as this high stakes debate plays out in Juneau.