Legislature(2013 - 2014)
2014-01-21 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2014-01-21 House Journal Page 1406 HB 266 HOUSE BILL NO. 266 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan program expenses of state government and for certain programs, capitalizing funds, and making reappropriations; making appropriations under art. IX, sec. 17(c), Constitution of the State of Alaska, from the constitutional budget reserve fund." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 17, 2014, follows: "Dear Speaker Chenault: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the State's operating budget for Fiscal Year 2015 (FY 2015). Leaving a strong, vibrant Alaska for our children and grandchildren requires living within our means and prioritizing spending for Alaskans' future. My operating budget for FY 2015 proposes to pay down State debt and significantly reduce State government spending. Even at this reduced level, the budget represents my continued commitment to Alaska's constitutional priorities including resource development, public safety, education, transportation, and infrastructure. 2014-01-21 House Journal Page 1407 The operating budget also proposes a solution to address Alaska's single largest cost driver - unfunded pension liabilities. I am recommending a transfer of $3 billion from the Constitutional Budget Reserve fund into the State's retirement trust funds. The effect is to pay down debt, resulting in lower fixed annual payments for the State. Your approval of this plan will significantly reduce our annual operating costs instead of pushing it off to future generations. With a responsible budget plan, and the increased jobs and economic activity being generated by the More Alaska Production Act, our state will continue to be prosperous and full of opportunity. I look forward to working with the Legislature to finalize the operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Thank you for your consideration of this bill. Sincerely, /s/ Sean Parnell Governor"