2008-01-16                     Senate Journal                      Page 1593
SB 222                                                                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 222 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                                                                               
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                

2008-01-16                     Senate Journal                      Page 1594
          "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 15:                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Dear President Green:                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
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