Alaska has a false economy.  It's time for a readjustment.  The PFD along with generous social welfare programs have been a "siren call".  We have more unskilled workers than jobs.  Organizations like Catholic Social Services make plenty of money resettling third world refugees - who are placed on public assistance while many First Alaskans continue to struggle.  

It was tough enough moving my family here 30+ years ago...when things were "good".  Worked two to three jobs for over a decade - sans any public assistance save the PFD.  Until we could afford insurance, if a family member required medical attention, paid out-of-pocket. With a little negotiation, prices were always reasonable.  We never joined the "conditioned" throngs, in the emergency waiting room, any time a child had the sniffles.  Yes,  thankfully, catastrophic medical issues never arose (odds clearly show they won't).  

Next time ur in line at Costco C4 Urself what disabled/SNAP dependent folks are buying and driving.