Legislature(1999 - 2000)
2000-01-14 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2000-01-14 House Journal Page 1919 HB 285 HOUSE BILL NO. 285 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act making and amending appropriations for the operating and loan program expenses of state government, for certain programs, and to capitalize funds; 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 Finance Committee. 2000-01-14 House Journal Page 1920 HB 285 **The presence of Representative Williams was noted. The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 12, 2000, appears below: "Dear Speaker Porter: I call the Fiscal Year 2001 operating budget I am transmitting today "The Childrens Budget". It would continue the progress we're beginning to achieve with Smart Start: to reach zero tolerance for child abuse and neglect; to place children in loving foster families and permanent homes; and to ensure children's good health. It would continue our progress in welfare reform with adequate day care so parents don't have to choose between earning a living and having their children cared for safely. It would strengthen our Quality Schools initiatives and our University to help prepare our children for good jobs here in Alaska. This budget proposes an increase of $98 million from last year's budget -- two-thirds of that for programs directly benefiting children and for education. Some have asked if it's responsible to propose a general fund budget increase when we continue to face a fiscal gap. My answer: definitely. First, because investments to protect children and improve education will help build strong families and save money tomorrow in reduced costs for welfare, crime, health care and prisons. Second, because I am also proposing that we address the revenue side of a balanced budget plan this session. We must make the tough decisions necessary to offset the oil revenue decline we all knew would happen by raising other appropriate revenues. There is no question that failure to act on a balanced budget plan until the last dollar of savings is spent will damage our economy and threaten our children's future. Even with my proposed "Children's Budget" investments, Alaska would spend $1,647 less per person in today's general fund dollars than in Fiscal 1979 -- the year before the pipeline boom began. We would still have a budget that's $134 million less than the one I inherited five years ago. 2000-01-14 House Journal Page 1921 HB 285 I stand ready to work with you to make responsible choices for our children's sake. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor"