2007-01-22                     House Journal                      Page 0075
13% of the entire Fiscal Year 2008 general funds budget.  My                                                                    
administration will review the retirement systems' data and make                                                                
recommendations for a long-term solution.                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
One of my goals is to have state government live within its means.  To                                                          
that end, the budget bill includes an unallocated reduction of $150.0                                                           
million in general funds for the Executive Branch.  I look forward to                                                           
beginning the discussion with my new cabinet and with the Legislature                                                           
of where best to reduce the budget.  I certainly hope that you will also                                                        
look at the Legislature's and Court System's budgets to identify any                                                            
cost-savings within those branches of government that might possibly                                                            
be applied against the $150 million target.                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
I look forward to working with you to develop a cost-effective budget                                                           
for the upcoming fiscal year.                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
                                Sincerely,                                                                                     
                                /s/                                                                                             
                                Sarah Palin                                                                                    
                                 Governor"                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
HB 96                                                                                                                         
HOUSE BILL NO. 96 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.                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 17, 2007, follows:                                                              
                                                                                                                                
"Dear Speaker Harris:                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
I am today transmitting a separate Fiscal Year 2008 appropriations bill                                                         
for the state's comprehensive mental health program.  As required by                                                            
statute, it includes both operating and capital appropriations and is