Legislature(1995 - 1996)
1996-05-08 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf1996-05-08 Senate Journal Page 4200 SB 1005 SENATE BILL NO. 1005 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: An Act making, amending, and repealing appropriations; making appropriations under art. IX, sec. 17(c), Constitution of the State of Alaska, from the constitutional budget reserve fund; and providing for an effective date. was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce, State Affairs, Judiciary and Finance Committees. Governor's transmittal letter dated May 8: Dear President Pearce: As you know, the two budget bills that passed the Senate and House last night do not constitute a balanced budget for FY97 as required by the state constitution. There was no legislation passed to approve the labor contracts negotiated in good faith with public employee bargaining units or to approve adjustments to the salaries of non- covered employees in the executive and legislative branches, university and court system. The tobacco tax increase, which passed the Senate by a vote of 17-3, was not brought up for a vote in the House. 1996-05-08 Senate Journal Page 4201 SB 1005 I believe these important budget-related issues could have been successfully completed if time had not run out last night. I am limiting the agenda for this special session so the most essential work will be completed first. If these items are successfully completed in the next two days, we could consider completion of other unfinished business, particularly several bills that were simply awaiting concurrence by the other body. In an effort to focus the budget work ahead of us, I have prepared identical bills which address all remaining FY96 supplementals, FY97 operating and capital appropriations, reappropriation, fiscal notes, and budget intent language. They also amend the budget bills passed last night (HB412 and SB136) to add effective dates and authorization for use of the Constitutional Budget Reserve. My administration stands ready to work with you as much as necessary to complete the state's budget in a responsible, timely manner. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor