1993-01-15                     House Journal                      Page 0088
HB 68                                                                        
HOUSE BILL NO. 68 by the House Rules Committee by request of                   
the Governor, entitled:                                                        
                                                                               
"An Act making a supplemental appropriation for certain elections             
for regional educational attendance area school boards and coastal             
resource service area boards; and providing for an effective date."            
                                                                               
was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee.                 
                                                                               
The Governor's transmittal letter, dated January 15, 1993, appears             
below:                                                                         
                                                                               
"Dear Speaker Barnes:                                                          
                                                                               
Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am     
transmitting a bill making a supplemental appropriation for $90,000 to         
the Office of the Governor, Division of Elections, to conduct the              
                                                                               

1993-01-15                     House Journal                      Page 0089
HB 68                                                                        
March 2, 1993 election for regional educational attendance area school         
boards and coastal resource service area boards.                               
                                                                               
                                                                               
The division of elections is required by statute to conduct elections for      
the regional educational attendance area school boards and coastal             
resources service area boards.  The next election is set by court order        
for March 2, 1993.                                                             
                                                                               
                                                                               
Due to unanticipated expenses this year regarding reapportionment              
matters, the division of elections has run out of money to conduct the         
election.  In order to properly conduct the elections and pay for              
printing and distribution of the ballot and necessary material, this           
supplemental appropriation must be enacted into law no later than              
February1, 1993.  Absentee balloting for the election is scheduled to          
begin February15, 1993.                                                        
                                                                               
                                                                               
Without this supplemental appropriation, this important state election         
is in jeopardy.  The state also could suffer adverse consequences with         
the federal government concerning compliance with the Federal Voting           
Rights Act.  Finally and most importantly, the people of Alaska could          
be deprived of their statutory right to elected representation on these        
boards if the election cannot be held due to a lack of funding.                
                                                                               
I urge your prompt consideration and passage of this important                 
legislation.                                                                   
                                                                               
           Sincerely,                                                          
           /s/                                                                 
           Walter J. Hickel                                                    
           Governor"