Legislature(2007 - 2008)
2008-01-16 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2008-01-16 House Journal Page 1713 HB 310 HOUSE BILL NO. 310 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan program expenses of state government, for certain programs, and 2008-01-16 House Journal Page 1714 to capitalize funds; making supplemental appropriations; and making appropriations under art. IX, sec. 17(c), Constitution of the State of Alaska; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 15, 2008, follows: "Dear Speaker Harris: Today I am transmitting to you my Fiscal Year 2009 operating budget bill. As I mentioned when I released the budget bills on December 10, 2007, this operating budget represents just a 1.1 percent general fund increase over FY2008. My cabinet has made a strong effort to slow the growth of government while providing funding to meet the needs of Alaskans. Just as importantly, the budget contains significant savings and investments from both the expected FY2008 and FY2009 general fund surpluses. Nearly $2.6 billion will be deposited into the public education fund to pre-fund the foundation and pupil transportation programs through FY2011, including proposed increases to the programs. In addition, $450 million from the FY2008 surplus is appropriated to the Teachers' Retirement System (TRS) to reduce the unfunded liability. That appropriation, in turn, results in savings of $46.6 million in the FY2009 appropriation to TRS. Other substantial savings are the deposits totaling $379 million into the constitutional budget reserve fund. I have also included the state's investment of the estimated $200 million in oil and gas tax credits. I look forward to working with the Legislature to finalize the operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Sincerely, /s/ Sarah Palin Governor"