2003-03-05                     House Journal                      Page 0417
HB 76                                                                                             
SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 76 by the House                                               
Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled:                                               
                                                                                                    
     "An Act making appropriations for the operating and capital                                    
     expenses of the state's integrated comprehensive mental health                                 
     program; and providing for an effective date."                                                 
                                                                                                    
was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee.                                      
                                                                                                    
A letter dated March 5, 2003, with an accompanying spreadsheet, to                                  
the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority from the Office of                                         
Management and Budget was attached (as required by                                                  
AS 37.14.003(b)) and is on file in the Chief Clerk's office.                                        
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
The Governor's transmittal letter dated March 5, 2003, follows:                                     
                                                                                                    
"Dear Speaker Kott:                                                                                 
                                                                                                    
The comprehensive mental health 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 held at current levels, some are                             
reduced, and a few are eliminated.  A copy of the report to the Mental                              
Health Trust Authority is attached.                                                                 
                                                                                                    
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"