Legislature(2017 - 2018)
2017-10-06 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2017-10-06 Senate Journal Page 1595 SB 23 Message dated July 31 was received stating: On this date, I have signed the following bill passed during the third special session of the Thirtieth Alaska State Legislature and am transmitting the engrossed and enrolled copies to the Lieutenant Governor's Office for permanent filing: FREE CONFERENCE CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 23 "An Act making appropriations, including capital appropriations, supplemental appropriations, reappropriations, and other appropriations; amending appropriations; making appropriations to capitalize funds; and providing for an effective date." Chapter 1, TSSLA 2017 [Effective Date: See Chapter] As passed by the Legislature, FCCS SB 23 contains a total of $1.4 billion, including $128 million in unrestricted general fund appropriations for FY2017 and FY2018. The bill prioritizes funding for projects that leverage federal and local dollars; housing and energy; and urgent state, school district, and university facilities maintenance. Spending must be taken in context of the fiscal deficit and remaining savings, given our difficult fiscal time. I commend the Legislature for limiting capital appropriations. The State of Alaska is at a critical juncture. The balance of the Constitutional Budget Reserve is projected to be just $2 billion by the end of FY2018. There will be insufficient savings to fund the FY2019 budget. I have not utilized my line item veto power on this piece of legislation. However, a long-term, sustainable fiscal plan is needed now. Our savings are all but gone, and our bond rating continues to fall. I will continue to work with the Legislature to act on revenue measures to bring closure to our fiscal crisis. Alaskans deserve a solution now. Sincerely, /s/ Bill Walker Governor