Legislature(2003 - 2004)
2004-06-22 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2004-06-22 House Journal Page 4447 HJR 103 HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 103 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor: Proposing amendments to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to an appropriation limit. was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Finance Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 2004-06-22 House Journal Page 4448 1. Fiscal, Office of the Governor The Governor's transmittal letter dated June 21, 2004, follows: "Dear Speaker Kott: Under the authority of article III, section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a resolution relating to an appropriation or "spending" limit. This resolution gives voters the chance to directly voice their opinion on a spending limit at the ballot box. A spending limit is an integral part of the transition to a long-range fiscal plan for Alaska. The model for this resolution is the version of Committee Substitute House Joint Resolution 9 (CSHJR 9) as it passed the House in the regular session (CSHJR 9(FIN) am). There are some technical changes, which were recommended by the Department of Law. Specifically, in the list of appropriations excluded from the appropriation limit, references to "state lease debt" have been changed to "capital leases" to more accurately reflect the description of these obligations in governmental accounting. Other technical changes were made to more clearly provide that the "excluded" appropriations are to be excluded from the appropriation limit itself as well as from calculation of the appropriation limit. The resolution presents the public with the opportunity to approve a spending limit with enough "teeth" in it to be effective. If approved by the Legislature and passed by the voters, it will prevent government spending from growing too large, too fast. Alaskans want spending controlled to produce a leaner, more efficient, effective state government. Passage of the resolution sends the signal the Legislature has heard the message and will allow Alaskans to vote on the issue. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this resolution. Sincerely yours, /s/ Frank H. Murkowski Governor"