1993-02-05                     House Journal                      Page 0237
HB 135                                                                       
HOUSE BILL NO. 135 by the House Rules Committee by request of                  
the Governor, entitled:                                                        
                                                                               
"An Act making supplemental and special appropriations for the                
expenses of state government; making, amending, and repealing                  
capital and operating appropriations; and providing for an effective           
date."                                                                         
                                                                               
was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee.                 
                                                                               
                                                                               
The Governor's transmittal letter, dated February 5, 1993, appears             
below:                                                                         
                                                                               
"Dear Speaker Barnes:                                                          
                                                                               
Under the authority of article III, section 18, of the Alaska                  
Constitution, I am transmitting a bill which makes miscellaneous               
supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 1993 and prior years.  The         
legislation also reallocates current year funding in order to offset some      
of the projected shortfalls.                                                   
                                                                               
                                                                               
Supplemental appropriations in recent years have reached the $100              
million level.  My Administration pledged to the Legislature that we           
would take steps to significantly reduce this amount.  We have done            
this.  Nearly all the requested supplementals are for purposes not             
within the control of management.  Caseloads continue to increase in           
public assistance programs and Longevity Bonus.  Student enrollment            
at schools throughout the state continue to climb.  Fires break out            
which the state must fight to protect the life and property of Alaskans.       
The prison population continues to grow.  We can't pretend these costs         
aren't there nor can we turn away from meeting these responsibilities.         
                                                                               
                                                                               
At the request of the Finance Committees, I am introducing this                
legislation earlier than the statutory deadline.  I am hopeful this will       
enable the committee to take prompt action that will facilitate an             
earlier completion of the Legislature's work this session.  Additional         
                                                                               
                                                                               

1993-02-05                     House Journal                      Page 0238
HB 135                                                                       
information supporting these requests will be furnished to the Finance         
Committees by the Office of Management and Budget.                             
                                                                               
         Sincerely,                                                            
         /s/                                                                   
         Walter J. Hickel                                                      
         Governor"