Charities would benefit from PFD bill

JUNEAU - Alaskans could donate a portion, or all, of their Alaska Permanent Fund dividend to certain community, educational or charitable organizations under a bill that has passed the House and Senate.

House Bill 166, by Haines Republican Bill Thomas, would place a checkoff box on the PFD application.

Each campus of the University of Alaska would be eligible as well as organizations that offer programs that serve youth, the elderly and low income or cover arts, health care, recycling, public broadcasting, libraries and zoos, among others.

Political groups would not be eligible.