2002-02-13                     House Journal                      Page 2236
I urge your prompt and favorable consideration of this legislation.                                 
                                                                                                    
                                Sincerely,                                                         
                                /s/                                                                 
                                Tony Knowles                                                        
                                Governor"                                                          
                                                                                                    
HB 413                                                                                            
HOUSE BILL NO. 413 by the House Rules Committee by request of                                       
the Governor, entitled:                                                                             
                                                                                                    
     "An Act relating to the imposition of an income tax on                                         
     individuals, estates, and trusts; relating to the administration of                            
     revenue laws; relating to the Alaska Net Income Tax Act; and                                   
     providing for an effective date."                                                              
                                                                                                    
was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance                               
Committees.                                                                                         
                                                                                                    
The following fiscal note(s) apply:                                                                 
                                                                                                    
1.  Fiscal, Dept. of Revenue                                                                        
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
The Governor's transmittal letter dated February 11, 2002, appears                                  
below:                                                                                              
                                                                                                    
"Dear Speaker Porter:                                                                               
                                                                                                    
Alaska's economy is strong -- with our 14th consecutive year of                                     
economic growth, more Alaskans working than ever before, and the                                    
lowest unemployment rates in a generation.  And yet, the economic                                   
health and security of Alaska families is threatened by the growing                                 
budget gap, which is projected to reach about $1.2 billion by next                                  
year.                                                                                               
                                                                                                    
For 20 years, Alaska governors, legislators, economists, and business                               
and civic leaders have urged long-range budget plans recommending                                   
the same basic combination of cuts and revenues to replace dwindling                                
oil dollars.  Now the day of reckoning is upon us.