2009-01-22                     House Journal                      Page 0066
I believe that this capital budget is a responsible approach to                                                                 
addressing the needs of Alaskans.  I look forward to working with the                                                           
Legislature to secure passage of this bill.                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
                               Sincerely,                                                                                      
                               /s/                                                                                              
                              Sarah Palin                                                                                      
                               Governor"                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
HB 83                                                                                                                         
HOUSE BILL NO. 83 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 21, 2009, 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 21, 2009, follows:                                                              
                                                                                                                                
"Dear Speaker Chenault:                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Today I am transmitting the Fiscal Year 2010 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.                                                            
These productive working relationships have made, and will continue                                                             
to make, a positive difference for Alaska's mental health beneficiaries.