In 1969 large oilreserves were discovered in the Prudhoe Bay area of Alaska.
As a result, state revenues increased from $124million in 1970 to $3.7billion in 1981. In 1980 the State legislature enacted a dividend program that would distribute annually a portion of these earnings to the State's adult residents. Under the plan, each citizen 18 years of age or older receives one unit for each year of residency subsequent to 1959, the year Alaska became a State. Craw a residen t since 1978 brings suit
challenging the dividend distribution plan as violative of the equal
protection guarantee. Decision?
As a result, state revenues increased from $124million in 1970 to $3.7billion in 1981. In 1980 the State legislature enacted a dividend program that would distribute annually a portion of these earnings to the State's adult residents. Under the plan, each citizen 18 years of age or older receives one unit for each year of residency subsequent to 1959, the year Alaska became a State. Craw a residen t since 1978 brings suit
challenging the dividend distribution plan as violative of the equal
protection guarantee. Decision?