1994-07-15                     Senate Journal                      Page 4794
SB 255                                                                       
Message of May 25 was received, stating:                                       
                                                                               
Dear Mr. President:                                                            
                                                                               
Under the authority of art. II, sec. 15, of the Alaska Constitution, I         
have vetoed the following bill:                                                
                                                                               
CONFERENCE CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 255                                         
"An Act establishing a comprehensive policy                                   
relating to human resource development in the                                  
state."                                                                        
                                                                               
In doing so, however, I want to make clear that I support the intent           
of the bill to establish a coordinated human resource development              
policy for Alaska and to increase the coordination and collaboration           
of state agencies providing training, education, and employment                
services.  I recognize, further, that these activities are vital to the        
well-being of Alaska's citizens and economy.  Accordingly, I will be           
issuing soon an Administrative Order designed to achieve the                   
objectives of this bill.                                                       
                                                                               
                                                                               

1994-07-15                     Senate Journal                      Page 4795
SB 255                                                                       
My concern with the bill is that it limits participants in the                 
development of Alaska's human services policy.  I believe that it is           
important in any process to ensure that those who will be charged              
with implementation of a policy have the opportunity to participate            
in its development.  While the Alaska Job Training Council (AJTC)              
plays a key role in human resources policy-making, other                       
departments are also key to effective implementation.  Because the             
bill limits participation, I made the difficult decision to veto it.  I        
believe the legislation's goals can still be met through                       
implementation of the Administrative Order.                                    
                                                                               
A secondary concern was the bill's requirement that the Legislative            
Auditor evaluate implementation of the policy recommended under                
this Act.  I believe this is an obligation of management and more              
appropriately should be assigned to the executive branch.                      
                                                                               
It is my sincere hope that my Administrative Order, which will enlist          
the input of the AJTC and impacted departments, will promote a                 
comprehensive statewide human resource investment policy,                      
encourage coordination, and provide the flexibility necessary to               
succeed.  Working together we can achieve the goal of enabling all             
Alaskans to become part of a literate, skilled, and productive work            
force.                                                                         
                                                                               
						Sincerely,                                                               
						/s/                                                                      
						Walter J. Hickel                                                         
						Governor