Legislature(2007 - 2008)
2008-01-17 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2008-01-17 House Journal Page 1734 HB 324 HOUSE BILL NO. 324 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to the Alaska housing trust fund and to the Alaska Council on the Homeless; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education & Social Services and Finance Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Dept. of Corrections 2. Zero, Dept. of Health & Social Services 3. Zero, Dept. of Public Safety 4. Fiscal, Dept. of Revenue The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 15, 2008, follows: "Dear Speaker Harris: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the Alaska Housing Trust Fund and to the Alaska Council on the Homeless. Homelessness is one of the most challenging domestic issues facing the United States. Alaska is no exception. Alaska's Faith-Based and Community Initiatives Task Force found housing to be the most commonly identified challenge facing those in need. On any given night 3,500 Alaskans are homeless, including 1,600 people in families 2008-01-17 House Journal Page 1735 with children. Currently, 4,000 Alaska households are on the waiting list for public housing programs and most are families with children. Furthermore, 20,000 low-income Alaska households spend over half their income on housing, placing them at risk of homelessness. The Alaska Council on the Homeless was initially established by Administrative Order No. 214 in April 2004 to develop a statewide action plan addressing homelessness in Alaska. The plan, Keeping Alaskans Out of the Cold, was completed and submitted in October 2005. Included in its recommendations was the appointment of a permanent council to assist the Governor and Legislature to develop an affordable housing trust fund. The Alaska Council on the Homeless completed its work in 2006 and recommended that the Alaska Housing Trust Fund (fund) be created within the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation under AS 18.56. The bill would also provide for advice for governance of the fund by establishing the Alaska Council on the Homeless in permanent law. To date, the council has operated under the authority of administrative orders. The bill would create a fund to serve as a financial structure for receiving money to address the needs of Alaska's homeless. The bill would provide authority to provide financial assistance intended to promote the creation and retention of an adequate supply of affordable housing for eligible persons. The fund could also be expended to create capital improvements intended to alleviate homelessness, assist eligible persons in avoiding foreclosures and evictions, provide financial assistance to support housing retention services or to encourage transition from dependency on low-cost housing, and permit participation in demonstration housing projects that address the needs of the homeless. I urge your prompt and favorable consideration on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Sarah Palin Governor"