2014-01-22                     Senate Journal                      Page 1403
SB 121                                                                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 121 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."                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
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 Huggins,                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
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 2015 (FY                                                                    
2015).  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.                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2014-01-22                     Senate Journal                      Page 1404
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.                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
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 mental health budget for                                                        
the upcoming fiscal year.                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Thank you for your consideration of this bill.                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Sincerely,                                                                                                                      
/s/                                                                                                                             
Sean Parnell                                                                                                                    
Governor