2005-07-01                     House Journal                      Page 2163
HB 67                                                                                             
The following letter dated June 28, 2005, was received:                                             
                                                                                                    
"Dear Speaker Harris:                                                                               
                                                                                                    
On this date I have signed with a line item veto the following bill                                 
passed by the first special session of the Twenty-Fourth Alaska State                               
Legislature and am transmitting the engrossed and enrolled copies to                                
the Lieutenant Governor's Office for permanent filing:                                              
                                                                                                    

2005-07-01                     House Journal                      Page 2164
         CONFERENCE CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 67(brf sup maj fld H)                                    
    "An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan                                        
    program expenses of state government, for certain programs, and                                 
    to capitalize funds; and providing for an effective date."                                      
                                                                                                    
    Chapter No. 4, FSSLA 2005                                                                       
    [Effective Date:  See Chapter]                                                                  
                                                                                                    
I greatly appreciate the Legislature's review and analysis of the Fiscal                            
Year 2006 operating budget proposed by this administration last                                     
December.  This budget continues the basic responsibilities that the                                
state has to Alaskans, whether it is protecting the safety of our                                   
communities and most vulnerable citizens or building an economic                                    
climate that creates good paying jobs for generations of Alaskans.                                  
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
Out of the nearly $2.6 billion general fund operating budget, I have                                
vetoed $461,900.00 from the Department of Corrections.  These funds                                 
anticipated the Alaska State Troopers would transport misdemeanant                                  
prisoners to and from Anchorage area correctional facilities for court                              
appearances. This is clearly a local responsibility and, indeed, is                                 
currently being performed by the Anchorage Police Department.  My                                   
veto of this funding is consistent with the discussions between the                                 
Municipality of Anchorage and various members of my                                                 
Administration.                                                                                     
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
Over the last two years this Administration has met the challenge of                                
controlling state budget growth through belt-tightening and ambitious                               
initiatives such as Medicaid cost-containment.  Over the same time,                                 
state support for K-12 education has increased nearly 23 percent, a                                 
commitment of which I am most proud.                                                                
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
While some are quick to describe the increased Fiscal Year 2006                                     
operating budget as a contributor to "runaway" spending, it's important                             
to note that a significant portion is to fund legislatively mandated                                
formula-driven programs-K-12 education ($70 million), Medicaid                                      
($55 million), and retirement system contributions ($45 million).                                   
                                                                                                    

2005-07-01                     House Journal                      Page 2165
As the state enters Fiscal Year 2006, my Administration remains                                     
committed to ensuring that the state gets value for every dollar spent                              
and that programs effectively deliver results for Alaskans.                                         
                                                                                                    
                               Sincerely yours,                                                     
                               /s/                                                                  
                               Frank H. Murkowski                                                   
                                Governor"