2007-01-19                     Senate Journal                      Page 0053
SB 51                                                                                                                         
SENATE BILL NO. 51 BY THE SENATE 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.                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
In accordance with AS 37.14.003(b) a report of the differences                                                                  
between the Governor's proposed budget and the recommendations of                                                               
the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority was transmitted.                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Governor's transmittal letter dated January 17:                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Dear President Green:                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
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                                                           
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, the Trustees, and Trust Authority staff.                                                                
Coupled with the resources that have been appropriated in recent                                                                
years, these productive working relationships have made 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