Legislature(1993 - 1994)
1994-02-18 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf1994-02-18 Senate Journal Page 2887 SB 331 SENATE BILL NO. 331 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act making appropriations to and from the constitutional budget reserve fund under art. IX, sec. 17(c), Constitution of the State of Alaska, for operating and capital expenses of state government for fiscal year 1994; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. Governor's transmittal letter dated February 16: Dear Mr. President: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill necessary for the state to comply with the January 27, 1994, order of the Alaska Supreme Court in Hickel v. Halford, the litigation concerning the constitutional budget reserve 1994-02-18 Senate Journal Page 2888 SB 331 fund. This bill appropriates money from the general fund to fully restore the constitutional budget reserve fund as required by the court's order. In addition, it appropriates money from the constitutional budget reserve fund to the general fund to provide valid funding sources for fiscal year 1994 appropriations. The enactment of this bill is essential for two reasons: it ensures that the state is in compliance with the order of the Alaska Supreme Court, and it provides finality with regard to the validity of fiscal year 1994 appropriations. The bill sets out findings concerning the constitutional budget reserve fund and the litigation on this issue. That litigation resulted in an order of the Alaska Supreme Court that the governor restore the constitutional budget reserve fund, with interest. The amount required to restore that fund consistent with the court's interpretation is $945,636,778.27, plus income that would have been earned upon investment of this money, calculated from the date of receipt by the state. The bill makes appropriations necessary to accomplish this. The enactment of this bill is essential to the State of Alaska. If enacted into law, the bill will bring the state into compliance with the order of the Alaska Supreme Court. By making appropriations from the constitutional budget reserve fund, the bill provides valid funding sources for fiscal year 1994 appropriations. This bill accomplishes these goals in a manner that provides finality. For these reasons, I strongly urge your support for this bill. Sincerely, /s/ Walter J. Hickel Governor