Alaskans own the Resource.  The PFD is Alaskans' individual share of the state's oil wealth and that the state is simply a conduit for passing that money back to the individuals. For the state to retain that is the same as if your stockbroker decided to retain dividends you have earned on stock because it was in their name and thus, theirs. Or, for the federal government to retain a social security check because the money is "theirs”.  And bye the way keep your hand out of my pocket.