1999-03-31                     Senate Journal                      Page 0751
SB 127                                                                       
SENATE BILL NO. 127 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                              
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                          
                                                                               
An Act relating to scholarships to attend the                                 
University of Alaska; and providing for an effective                           
date.                                                                          
                                                                               
was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education and              
Social Services, State Affairs and Finance Committees.                         
                                                                               
Fiscal note published today from University of Alaska.                         
                                                                               
Governors transmittal letter dated March 29:                                   
                                                                               
Dear President Pearce:                                                         
                                                                               
Last year we put into place my Quality Schools initiative which will           
improve Alaska's public school system through required standards               
and testing and enhanced funding. This year it is fitting we take the          
next step toward quality education by establishing the Alaska                  
Scholars Program. I first proposed this program last year as an                
incentive for Alaska high school students to achieve academic                  
excellence and to choose to remain in Alaska in pursuit of higher              
education. Today, I am re-introducing this measure with the same               
hopes it will offer our kids a great education and help build the              
state's future.                                                                
                                                                               
Under the Alaska Scholars Program, scholarships would be awarded               
to the top 10 percent of high school students to attend the University         
of Alaska. A recipient could receive the scholarship for up to four            
years, provided he or she is successfully completing a full-time               
certificate or degree program. This program is also designed to                
provide maximum flexibility for students who may have additional               
financial aide and to allow recipients to benefit from the available           
federal tax credits.                                                           
                                                                               

1999-03-31                     Senate Journal                      Page 0752
SB 127                                                                       
After I proposed this program last year, the University of Alaska              
decided to establish it administratively as a pilot project using the          
Natural Resources Fund. In order for the program to continue, it is            
essential it be established in law. This would remedy confidentiality          
requirements that now make it difficult for schools to release the             
names of the scholarship recipients and for the University to contact          
them.                                                                          
                                                                               
While the Alaska Scholars Program fiscal note is showing no general            
fund expenditure, it may well be that the Legislature decides to               
appropriate general funds in the future. Meanwhile, the University is          
prepared to use earnings from the Natural Resource Endowment, but              
this does mean that funds are being diverted from other projects and           
programs that are also of great value to the University and to the             
State.                                                                         
                                                                               
I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure as a means             
to continue our efforts in improving the quality of education in our           
state and expand access to higher levels of learning.                          
                                                                               
					Sincerely,                                                                
					/s/                                                                       
					Tony Knowles                                                              
					Governor