Legislature(2003 - 2004)
2004-02-16 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2004-02-16 House Journal Page 2594 HB 456 HOUSE BILL NO. 456 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act making supplemental and other appropriations; amending and repealing appropriations; making appropriations to capitalize funds; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. The Governor's transmittal letter dated February 9, 2004, follows: "Dear Speaker Kott: I am transmitting to you today two supplemental appropriation bills for Fiscal Year 2004. Issues requiring attention on an expedited basis 2004-02-16 House Journal Page 2595 are in a separate "fast track" bill. This bill includes supplemental needs with less immediate timing requirements. We are submitting a combined package (both "fast track" and regular) that totals $5.4 million in general funds. This reflects our administration's commitment to doing all we can to manage programs within the budget approved by the Legislature. There are, however, always circumstances beyond our management control such as inmate health care costs for critically ill inmates and caseload growth in several programs. This bill totals $820 thousand in general funds. In some instances, we have been able to cover shortfalls in one area by excess appropriations in another. For instance, based on current estimates of general funds needed for the foundation formula, $3.6 million can be transferred to cover other supplemental needs. The general fund capitalization of the debt retirement fund may also be reduced for two reasons: 1) the amount available for school debt reimbursement from the public school fund is higher than anticipated, and 2) the actual amount of school debt reimbursement is lower than anticipated. The administration's goal is to do all we can to limit supplemental requests. To that end, we look forward to working with you on the funding levels for the Fiscal Year 2005 operating budget. Sincerely yours, /s/ Frank H. Murkowski Governor"