2008-01-16                     House Journal                      Page 1716
HB 312                                                                                                                        
HOUSE BILL NO. 312 by the House Rules Committee by request of                                                                   
the Governor, entitled:                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
     "An Act making appropriations for the operating and capital                                                                
     expenses of the state's integrated comprehensive mental health                                                             
     program; and providing for an effective date."                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee.                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
A letter dated January 15, 2008, with an accompanying spreadsheet, to                                                           
the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority from Karen J. Rehfeld,                                                                 
Director, Office of Management and Budget, was attached (as required                                                            
by AS 37.14.003) and is on file in the Chief Clerk's office.                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 15, 2008, follows:                                                              
                                                                                                                                
"Dear Speaker Harris:                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Today I am transmitting the Fiscal Year 2009 appropriations bill for                                                            
the state's comprehensive mental health program.  As required by                                                                
statute, it includes both operating and capital appropriations and is                                                           
accompanied by a report outlining the differences between the                                                                   
recommendations of the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority and my                                                              
budget.                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
The proposed mental health budget represents a cooperative effort                                                               
between state agencies and the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority.                                                            
Coupled with the resources that have been appropriated in recent                                                                
years, these productive working relationships have made and will                                                                
continue to make a positive difference for Alaska's mental health                                                               
beneficiaries.                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
I look forward to working with the Legislature to secure passage of                                                             
this budget bill.                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
                                Sincerely,                                                                                     
                                /s/                                                                                             
                               Sarah Palin                                                                                     
                                Governor"