1996-01-12                     Senate Journal                      Page 2119
SB 214                                                                       
SENATE BILL NO. 214 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                              
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                          

1996-01-12                     Senate Journal                      Page 2120
SB 214                                                                       
An Act making appropriations for the operating                                
expenses of the states integrated comprehensive                                
mental health program; and providing for an                                    
effective date.                                                                
                                                                               
was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs, Health,             
Education and Social Services and Finance Committees.                          
                                                                               
Letter and spreadsheet were submitted with the bill explaining the             
differences between the Governors proposed FY97 operating budget               
and the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authoritys recommendations.                 
Copies are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate.               
                                                                               
Governors transmittal letter dated January 12:                                 
                                                                               
Dear President Pearce:                                                         
                                                                               
Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution,          
and in accordance with AS 37.14.003, I am transmitting a separate              
appropriation bill limited to appropriations for the state's integrated        
comprehensive mental health program.  In accordance with AS                    
37.14.003(b), an accompanying report explains the differences                  
between the appropriation bill and the recommendations made by the             
Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority for expenditures from the                 
general fund for the state's integrated comprehensive mental health            
program.                                                                       
                                                                               
The statutory requirement that appropriations for the state's mental           
health program be made by a separate appropriation bill was enacted            
as part of the settlement of the mental health trust litigation, Weiss        
v. State, 4FA-82-2208 Civil.  The separate focus on appropriations            
from the general fund for the state's integrated comprehensive mental          
health program will improve the state's ability to meet the special            
needs of Alaskans who use any part of the program.                            
                                                                               
I urge your prompt action on this legislation.                                 
                                                                               
						Sincerely,                                                               
						/s/                                                                      
						Tony Knowles                                                             
						Governor