2003-03-05                     House Journal                      Page 0416
HB 75                                                                                             
SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 75 by the House                                               
Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled:                                               
                                                                                                    
     "An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan                                       
     program expenses of state government, for certain programs, and                                
     to capitalize funds; making 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."                                     
                                                                                                    
was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee.                                      
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
The Governor's transmittal letter dated March 5, 2003, follows:                                     
                                                                                                    
"Dear Speaker Kott:                                                                                 
                                                                                                    
The operating budget bill delivered today contains my proposal for the                              
2004 fiscal year.                                                                                   
                                                                                                    
This Administration has gone through an extensive process to evaluate                               
state programs in order to prepare the state budget.  Given our current                             
financial situation, many programs are eliminated or reduced, while                                 
some programs are increased.  Several of my budget proposals require                                
legislative change to be implemented.  The necessary legislation                                    
accompanies the budget submission.                                                                  
                                                                                                    
I look forward to working closely with this Legislature to jointly craft                            
a responsive state budget that efficiently provides Alaska residents                                
essential state services at a cost that the state can afford over the long-                         
term.                                                                                               
                                                                                                    
                                 Sincerely yours,                                                   
                                 /s/                                                                
                                 Frank H. Murkowski                                                 
                                  Governor"