Legislature(2003 - 2004)
2004-06-22 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2004-06-22 Senate Journal Page 3837 SJR 103 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 103 BY THE SENATE 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 Finance Committee. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Office of the Governor Governor's transmittal letter dated June 21: Dear President Therriault: 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. 2004-06-22 Senate Journal Page 3838 I have used as a model for this resolution the final Senate version of House Joint Resolution 9 (HJR 9), which was rejected by the Senate during the last regular session of the Legislature (SCS CS HJR 9(FIN)(fld S)). This joint resolution differs from SCS CS HJR 9(FIN)(fld S) in that it contains some technical changes that were recommended by the Department of Law. 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 language 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 "teeth" in it. If approved by the Legislature and passed by the voters, it will control government spending. A leaner and more efficient state government will be produced. Passage of the resolution sends the signal the Legislature has heard the public's 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