Legislature(2007 - 2008)
2008-07-09 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2008-07-09 Senate Journal Page 3146 SB 4003 SENATE BILL NO. 4003 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act making supplemental appropriations to the Alaska Energy Authority for power cost equalization; making special appropriations to the Department of Revenue and to the Department of Health and Social Services for the Alaska resource rebate program; making a special appropriation to the Department of Revenue for the payment of certain shared taxes relating to aviation fuel; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. Governor's transmittal letter dated July 8: Dear President Green: I am transmitting to you a bill designed to provide Alaskans with a one-time resource rebate and relief from high energy costs. The appropriation bill totals nearly $821 million and includes the following: 2008-07-09 Senate Journal Page 3147 · $800 million for a one-time payment to eligible individuals through the Alaska Resource Rebate Program and associated administrative costs. These payments represent a distribution of Alaska's resource wealth to the owners of the resources; · $10.7 million to hold harmless an individual from losing public assistance payments or veterans' benefits as a result of the resource rebate program; · $9.6 million in power cost equalization funds to cover the shortfall in funding for FY2008 and FY2009 due to increased energy costs; and · the amount necessary, estimated at $150,000, to hold harmless municipal-owned airports for the loss of shared taxes due to the suspension of the aviation fuel tax. Information on these specific requests will be posted on the Office of Management and Budget's website and will be transmitted to the Finance Committee co-chairs. I look forward to a successful special session that results in helping Alaskans with the high cost of energy. Sincerely, /s/ Sarah Palin Governor