2016-01-19                     House Journal                      Page 1451
HB 257                                                                                                                        
HOUSE BILL NO. 257 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 14, 2016, with accompanying spreadsheets, to                                                             
the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority from Pat Pitney, 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 15, 2016, 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                                                                  
comprehensive mental health program for Fiscal Year 2017 (FY                                                                    
2017). 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 FY 2017 mental health budget includes $26.8 million of the $29.9                                                            
million operating and capital Trust recommendations. Due to fiscal                                                              
constraints, increases to the mental health budget were not included.                                                           
Included in the operating budget are reductions of $10.2 million for                                                            
one-time salary adjustments and Medicaid cost savings for a total                                                               
proposed FY 2017 mental health budget of $232.0 million.                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
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. We look forward to working with                                                           
the Legislature on securing passage of the FY 2017 mental health                                                                
budget bill.                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                

2016-01-19                     House Journal                      Page 1452
I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure.                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Sincerely,                                                                                                                      
/s/                                                                                                                             
Bill Walker                                                                                                                     
Governor"