2012-01-17                     Senate Journal                      Page 1230
SB 162                                                                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 162 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."                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                

2012-01-17                     Senate Journal                      Page 1231
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 13:                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Dear President Stevens:                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska                                                                    
Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the State's                                                                  
comprehensive mental health program for Fiscal Year 2013 (FY                                                                    
2013). As required by statute, it includes both operating and capital                                                           
appropriations. Also, as required, the enclosed report outlines the                                                             
differences between the recommendations of the Alaska Mental Health                                                             
Trust Authority and my proposed budget.                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
The proposed mental health budget represents a cooperative effort                                                               
between State agencies and the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority.                                                            
These productive working relationships make a positive difference for                                                           
Alaska's mental health beneficiaries.                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
I am proposing a reasonable budget that holds the line on government                                                            
spending and provides a more stable and secure future for our families.                                                         
With budget discipline, targeted spending, and managing our savings,                                                            
Alaska's cash reserves and excellent bond rating will provide us with                                                           
economic opportunities for years to come.                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
I look forward to working with the Legislature to finalize the mental                                                           
health budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Thank you for your                                                                  
consideration of this bill.                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
Sincerely,                                                                                                                      
/s/                                                                                                                             
Sean Parnell                                                                                                                    
Governor