2002-06-24                     Senate Journal                      Page 3782
SB 3002                                                                                           
SENATE BILL NO. 3002 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                                                  
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                                               
                                                                                                    
             "An Act making appropriations to the Department of                                     
             Administration, division of Alaska longevity                                           
             programs, to enable the division to make available                                     
             additional beds in the Alaska Pioneers' and Veterans'                                  
             Home; and providing for an effective date."                                            

2002-06-24                     Senate Journal                      Page 3783
                                                                                                    
was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee.                                      
                                                                                                    
Governor's transmittal letter dated June 24:                                                        
                                                                                                    
Dear President Halford:                                                                             
                                                                                                    
I am transmitting a bill making fiscal year 2003 appropriations                                     
necessary to fill approximately 100 currently empty beds in our six                                 
Alaska Pioneers' Homes and provide critical services to Alaskans,                                   
including Alaska veterans.                                                                          
                                                                                                    
Through the combination of general funds and program receipts in this                               
bill we can provide affordable care for Alaska's veterans and other                                 
seniors. Recent passage of legislation to establish the Alaska Pioneer's                            
and Veteran's Homes System sets the stage to fully utilize the facilities                           
in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Palmer, Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka.                                      
                                                                                                    
I urge prompt and favorable action on this measure.                                                 
                                                                                                    
Sincerely,                                                                                          
/s/                                                                                                 
Tony Knowles                                                                                        
Governor