Legislature(2003 - 2004)
2003-03-05 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2003-03-05 House Journal Page 0439 HB 167 HOUSE BILL NO. 167 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to grants for alcoholism and drug abuse programs; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education & Social Services and Finance Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Fiscal, Dept. of Health & Social Services 2. Fiscal, Dept. of Health & Social Services 3. Fiscal, Dept. of Health & Social Services 4. Fiscal, Dept. of Health & Social Services 2003-03-05 House Journal Page 0440 The Governor's transmittal letter dated March 5, 2003, follows: "Dear Speaker Kott: Under the authority of article III, section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill that would change the grant in aid ratio required for grantees of alcohol and drug abuse grants from 10 percent to 25 percent. The Department of Health and Social Services requires a local match for most grants it issues in support of community-based programs. In most instances the local match requirement is twenty-five percent. Grants issued by the department in support of local substance abuse treatment programs are an anomaly in that only a ten percent local match is required. Local match requirements are designed to foster collaboration and support for health and social services at the community level. My Administration's commitment to substance abuse treatment is reflected in my amended fiscal year 2004 budget which makes significant new investments in treatment programs using some of the proceeds from the recently enacted increase in the alcohol excise tax. Given the widespread recognition throughout Alaska of the need to address the problem of alcohol and substance abuse, I am confident that Alaska's communities too will rise to the challenge of providing a modest increase in local support for substance abuse treatment services. The Department will retain the ability to waive all or part of the local match if the Department finds that community funding is unavailable and the waiver is in the best interest of the state. Enactment of this legislation will result in a reduction $1,611,700 in the state budget. Services at the community level should be unaffected, however, as local communities step forward to increase their local contributions. 2003-03-05 House Journal Page 0441 I urge your prompt consideration of this legislation. Sincerely, /s/ Frank H. Murkowski Governor"