1999-07-28                     Senate Journal                      Page 1819
SB 32                                                                        
Message dated and received June 30, stating:                                   
                                                                               
Dear President Pearce:                                                         
                                                                               
On this date I have signed the following bill, with certain intent             
language vetoes, and am transmitting the engrossed and enrolled                
copies to the Lieutenant Governor's Office for permanent filing:               
                                                                               
HOUSE CS FOR CS FOR SENATE BILL NO.                                           
32(FIN) am H(reengrossed) An Act making and                                    
amending appropriations and reappropriations;                                  
making and amending 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.                                                         
                                                                               
		Chapter 2, FSSLA 1999                                                        
		Effective Date: See Chapter                                                  
                                                                               
The overall FY2000 capital budget will be $67 million less than the            
FY1999 budget despite a $262 million increase in federal funding.              
While $3 million of the reduction is in general funds, most of the             
difference is because FY1999 included $200 million in Alaska                   
Housing Finance Corporation bonds for state projects, and nearly that          
much in airport bonds for Anchorage International Airport's Gateway            
Alaska project.                                                                
                                                                               
                                                                               

1999-07-28                     Senate Journal                      Page 1820
SB 32                                                                        
Even though the capital budget will be over $1 billion, it leaves              
many unmet capital needs, including deferred maintenance and                   
schools. A balanced budget plan for Alaska is essential if we are to           
responsibly finance our statewide capital needs in the future. In the          
meantime, Alaska is extremely fortunate to receive increased federal           
aid to improve our transportation networks and eliminate the honey             
bucket.                                                                        
                                                                               
I have not vetoed any of the projects funded in this bill. However,            
I did follow the practice of other governors in vetoing any intent             
language that does not directly relate to appropriation amounts,               
whether or not I agree with the policy expressed in the intent                 
language.                                                                      
                                                                               
					Sincerely,                                                                
					/s/                                                                       
					Tony Knowles                                                              
					Governor