Legislature(1993 - 1994)
1993-01-22 House Journal
Full Journal pdf1993-01-22 House Journal Page 0130 HB 81 HOUSE BILL NO. 81 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to the longevity bonus program." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs, Judiciary and Finance Committees. The following fiscal notes apply: Fiscal notes (2), Dept. of Administration, 1/22/93 The Governor's transmittal letter, dated January 22, 1993, appears below: 1993-01-22 House Journal Page 0131 HB 81 "Dear Speaker Barnes: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill that phases out the longevity bonus program over a several-year period. This bill is necessary because the ever-increasing number of senior citizens in Alaska, coupled with the projected decline in state revenue, makes it clear that the state will not be able to afford the longevity bonus program over the long term. It is becoming increasingly necessary to shift state resources from non-need-based programs to programs for those truly in need. The bill protects current bonus recipients, and those future recipients who turn 65 before January1, 1994, by providing that they will receive $250 a month for the remainder of their lives (as long as the eligibility requirements are met). The bill phases out the program by reducing to $200 the monthly bonus for those turning 65 in 1994, by reducing to $150 the monthly bonus for those turning 65 in 1995, by reducing to $100 the monthly bonus for those turning 65 in 1996, and by eliminating the bonus altogether for those turning 65 in 1997 and later. I am proposing this phased elimination because many Alaskans who will be reaching age 65 in the next four years have counted on the bonus in planning for their retirement, and an abrupt termination of the program would not be fair to them. I urge your prompt consideration and passage of this bill. Sincerely, /s/ Walter J. Hickel Governor"