1998-01-16                     Senate Journal                      Page 2213
SB 230                                                                       
SENATE BILL NO. 230 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                              
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                          
                                                                               
An Act making appropriations for the operating                                
and capital expenses of the states integrated                                  
comprehensive mental health program; and providing                             
for an effective date.                                                         
                                                                               
was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee.                 
                                                                               
                                                                               

1998-01-16                     Senate Journal                      Page 2214
SB 230                                                                       
The following report was received and is attached to the bill.  It is          
on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate:                          
                                                                               
Report explaining the differences between the                                 
Governors proposed FY 99 operating budget and                                  
the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authoritys                                      
recommendations, from Annalee McConnell,                                       
Director, Office of Management and Budget, in                                  
accordance with AS 37.14.003 and AS 37.14.005.                                 
                                                                               
Governors transmittal letter received January 15, 1998:                        
                                                                               
Dear President Miller:                                                         
                                                                               
As part of the budget package I am presenting to the Legislature               
today, I am transmitting this separate appropriation bill for the states       
integrated, comprehensive mental health program.  This bill includes           
both operating and capital appropriations.  As required by statute, I          
have attached a report of the differences between my proposed                  
budget and the recommendations of the Alaska Mental Health Trust               
Authority.                                                                     
                                                                               
Several of my mental health budget increases are part of our Smart             
Start for Alaskas Children initiative which is funded by reallocating          
general funds previously needed to match federal Medicaid dollars.             
This reallocation provides much-needed resources for Mental Health             
Trust Authority beneficiaries throughout Alaska.                               
                                                                               
Funding for this bill comes from state general funds and Trust                 
Authority receipts.  In addition, Alaska Housing Finance Corporation           
receipts are used for housing-related capital projects.                        
                                                                               
This bill is a comprehensive package that has been developed                   
through a positive and productive working relationship between my              
Administration, members of the Board of Trustees, and their staff.             
We look forward to working with the Legislature to support these               
proposed investments for Trust beneficiaries.                                  
                                                                               
						Sincerely,                                                               
						/s/                                                                      
						Tony Knowles                                                             
						Governor