1999-07-28                     House Journal                      Page 1785
HB 50                                                                        
The following letter, dated June 30, 1999, was received:                       
                                                                               
"Dear Speaker Porter:                                                          
                                                                               
On this date I have signed the following bill, with certain intent             
language vetoes, and am transmitting the engrossed and enrolled copies         
to the Lieutenant Governor's Office for permanent filing:                      
                                                                               
CONFERENCE CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 50                                           
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan program              
expenses of state government, for certain programs, and to                     
capitalize funds; making appropriations under art. IX, sec. 17(c),             
Constitution of the State of Alaska, from the constitutional budget            
reserve fund; and providing for an effective date."                            
                                                                               
	Chapter No. 84, SLA 1999                                                      
	¦Effective Date:  See Chapterá                                                
                                                                               
                                                                               
As we ask Alaskans on September 14 the question of using some                  
Permanent Fund earnings, we have made a commitment to continued                
budget discipline.  As legislators, department staff, and others who           
struggled through this years budget process know first hand, the               
combination of specific service cuts and additional non-specific               
reductions on top of that will require noticeable changes in services          
available to the public.  Effects of the cuts range from reducing the          
number of troopers to increasing  response times for snow removal.             

1999-07-28                     House Journal                      Page 1786
HB 50                                                                        
There will have to be some layoffs, although the hiring freeze,                
retirement incentive program, and new federally funded jobs in some            
areas will help reduce the number.                                             
                                                                               
Following the practice of governors before me, I vetoed certain intent         
language whether or not I agree with its content because budget bills          
are constitutionally limited to the subject of appropriations.                 
Nevertheless, my Administration will be pursuing various intent                
language suggestions for fee increases, transfers of responsibility, and       
further program efficiencies. I left intact several intent sections that       
speak directly to appropriation amounts, such as the Legislatures              
intention to fully fund the school foundation program through the              
supplemental budget if necessary.                                              
                                                                               
							Sincerely,                                                              
							/s/                                                                     
							Tony Knowles                                                            
							Governor"