2001-07-20                     House Journal                      Page 1900
HB 179                                                                                            
The following letter, dated July 3, 2001, was received:                                             
                                                                                                    
"Dear Speaker Porter:                                                                               
                                                                                                    
On this date I have signed the following bill passed by the first session                           
of the Twenty-second Alaska State Legislature and am transmitting                                   

2001-07-20                     House Journal                      Page 1901
the engrossed and enrolled copies to the Lieutenant Governor's office                               
for permanent filing:                                                                               
                                                                                                    
      CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 179(FIN)                                                                
      "An Act relating to underage drinking and drug offenses; and                                  
      providing for an effective date."                                                             
                                                                                                    
      Chapter No. 65, SLA 2001                                                                      
      [Effective Date:  July 4, 2001]                                                               
                                                                                                    
This bill is well crafted to address Alaska's underage drinking                                     
problems. Its tough sanctions provide disincentives to continued                                    
drinking.  At the same time it offers incentives for our youth to seek                              
treatment and alcohol education. The approach is excellent.                                         
Unfortunately, this strong law will go on the books without adequate                                
funds. Less than half of the funds needed to fully implement it were                                
appropriated -- $800,000 out of the needed $1.75 million.                                           
                                                                                                    
While the legislature acknowledges the imperative to help our youth                                 
who have alcohol problems, it was unwilling to fully attack the                                     
problem and make our best effort to suppress it. I look forward to a                                
greater future commitment to Alaska's youth.                                                        
                                                                                                    
                                            Sincerely,                                             
                                          /s/                                                       
                                          Tony Knowles                                              
                                             Governor"