1993-02-05                     Senate Journal                      Page 0259
SB 100                                                                       
SENATE BILL NO. 100 by the Senate Rules Committee by request                   
of the Governor, entitled:                                                     
                                                                               
"An Act making supplemental and special                                       
appropriations for the expenses of state government;                           
making, amending, and repealing capital and                                    
operating appropriations; and providing for an                                 
effective date."                                                               
                                                                               
was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee.                 
                                                                               
Governor's transmittal letter dated February 5:                                
                                                                               
Dear Mr. President:                                                            
                                                                               
Under the authority of article III, section 18, of the Alaska                  
Constitution, I am transmitting a bill which makes miscellaneous               
supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 1993 and prior years.              
The legislation also reallocates current year funding in order to offset       
some of the projected shortfalls.                                              
                                                                               
Supplemental appropriations in recent years have reached the $100              
million level.  My Administration pledged to the Legislature that we           
would take steps to significantly reduce this amount.  We have done            
this.  Nearly all the requested supplementals are for purposes not             
within the control of management.  Caseloads continue to increase              
in public assistance programs and Longevity Bonus.  Student                    
enrollment at  schools  throughout the state continue to climb.  Fires         

1993-02-05                     Senate Journal                      Page 0260
SB 100                                                                       
break out which the state must fight to protect the life and property          
of Alaskans.  The prison population continues to grow.  We can't               
pretend these costs aren't there nor can we turn away from meeting             
these responsibilities.                                                        
                                                                               
At the request of the Finance Committees, I am introducing this                
legislation earlier than the statutory deadline.  I am hopeful this will       
enable the committee to take prompt action that will facilitate an             
earlier completion of the Legislature's work this session.  Additional         
information supporting these requests will be furnished to the                 
Finance Committees by the Office of Management and Budget.                     
                                                                               
      Sincerely,                                                               
      /s/                                                                      
      Walter J. Hickel                                                         
      Governor