Legislature(1993 - 1994)
1994-03-24 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf1994-03-24 Senate Journal Page 3345 SB 365 SENATE BILL NO. 365 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to the improvement of state finances and fiscal accountability by increasing fees, by collecting additional revenue, by reducing certain program expenditures by changing services or eligibility requirements for programs, by changing certain statutory limitation periods, by providing for use of certain electronic records, by making changes to state agency functions or procedures including certain reporting and planning procedures, and by authorizing extensions for state leases for real property if certain savings can be achieved; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. Fiscal notes published today from Department of Public Safety, Department of Administration, Department of Environmental Conservation, Department of Revenue. Zero fiscal notes published today from Department of Public Safety, Department of Administration, Office of the Governor, Department of Community and Regional Affairs, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. Governor's transmittal letter dated March 23: Dear Mr. President: 1994-03-24 Senate Journal Page 3346 SB 365 Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the improvement of state finances and fiscal accountability by increasing fees, collecting additional revenues, reducing certain program expenditures, and changing state agency functions or procedures to achieve certain savings or efficiencies. A section-by-section description of this bill is forthcoming. In this time of great financial concern, we must look for ways of streamlining state government and find ways for agencies to defray a greater portion of their costs through the imposition or increase of fees. If there are ways to access other kinds of funds for the services the state provides, then we must be willing to seek those funds. If there are ways to cut the expenses of the state administration, we must be open to the changes necessary to achieve them. This bill is only one example of this administration's continued efforts to keep the costs of state government in check. It, along with the bills I have introduced that change required reports of state agencies (HB 530 - SB 357) and eliminate some state multimember bodies (HB 531 - SB 358), can go a long way to improving the operation and expense of the state. I urge your favorable consideration of the bill. Sincerely, /s/ Walter J. Hickel Governor