The Alaska House has approved a draft budget for the next fiscal year, which includes a $1,500 dividend per eligible Alaskan. This decision came after three days of contentious debate over the size of the annual Permanent Fund dividend. Lawmakers narrowly voted to remove from a draw of $1.5 billion from savings, which would have allowed for a statutory $3,800 dividend per Alaskans while also spending down half of the state’s rainy day funds. The spending bill, which covers government agency appropriations for the fiscal year that begins in July, is scheduled for a final House vote on Monday. The budget includes $158 million in new spending on public schools, but majority members argue that even with this, the state would barely be directing enough funds to meet its constitutional obligations to provide education and public safety.