With more than $1 billion in federal pandemic aid heading to the state treasury, Gov. Mike Dunleavy and Alaska's 60 legislators are busy figuring out the best way to spend the money. Our elected leaders need to stick with spending decisions that will do the most long-term good for communities, resisting the temptation of politically popular cash payouts to individuals.

It's disturbing to hear talk among some elected officials in the Capitol that the federal money could be used - in a roundabout way - to squeeze out a larger Permanent Fund dividend this year.

By appropriating the one-time fe...