1993-01-27                     House Journal                      Page 0164
HB 94                                                                        
HOUSE BILL NO. 94 by the House Rules Committee by request of                   
the Governor, entitled:                                                        
                                                                               
"An Act making a supplemental appropriation for costs of                      
elections operations; and providing for an effective date."                    
                                                                               
was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee.                 
                                                                               
The Governor's transmittal letter, dated January 27, 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 $891,500           
to the Office of the Governor, Division of Elections, to allow that            
division to carry on essential elections operations until the end of the       
fiscal year.                                                                   
                                                                               
The Division of Elections is required by statute to perform functions          
essential to the operation of elections in this state.  These functions        
include supervising registration of voters, preparing election ballots and     
materials, administering candidate filings for elective positions, and         
other essential duties.                                                        
                                                                               
Due to underfunding of operations and litigation, including the                
reapportionment process, the Division of Elections is rapidly running          

1993-01-27                     House Journal                      Page 0165
HB 94                                                                        
out of money to perform these functions.  In order to properly conduct         
elections and perform its other statutory duties, a supplemental               
appropriation is essential and should be enacted into law no later than        
February 15, 1993, the projected date when the division will no longer         
have funding.                                                                  
                                                                               
Without this supplemental appropriation, performance of these                  
important state functions is jeopardized.                                      
                                                                               
I urge your prompt consideration and passage of this important                 
legislation.                                                                   
                                                                               
      Sincerely,                                                               
      /s/                                                                      
      Walter J. Hickel                                                         
      Governor"