1999-03-31                     House Journal                      Page 0625
HB 171                                                                       
HOUSE BILL NO. 171 by the House Rules Committee by request of                  
the Governor, entitled:                                                        

1999-03-31                     House Journal                      Page 0626
HB 171                                                                       
"An Act relating to scholarships to attend the University of                  
Alaska; and providing for an effective date."                                  
                                                                               
was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education & Social         
Services and Finance Committees.                                               
                                                                               
The following fiscal note applies:                                             
                                                                               
Fiscal note, University of Alaska, 3/31/99                                     
                                                                               
The Governor's transmittal letter dated March 29, 1999, appears below:         
                                                                               
"Dear Speaker Porter:                                                          
                                                                               
Last year we put into place my Quality Schools initiative which will           
improve Alaska's public school system through required standards and           
testing and enhanced funding.  This year it is fitting we take the next        
step toward quality education by establishing the Alaska Scholars              
Program.  I first proposed this program last year as an incentive for          
Alaska high school students to achieve academic excellence and to              
choose to remain in Alaska in pursuit of higher education.  Today, I           
am re-introducing this measure with the same hopes it will offer our           
kids a great education and help build the state's future.                      
                                                                               
Under the Alaska Scholars Program, scholarships would be awarded to            
the top 10 percent of high school students to attend the University of         
Alaska.  A recipient could receive the scholarship for up to four years,       
provided he or she is successfully completing a full-time certificate or       
degree program.  This program is also designed to provide maximum              
flexibility for students who may have additional financial aide and to         
allow recipients to benefit from the available federal tax credits.            
                                                                               
After I proposed this program last year, the University of Alaska              
decided to establish it administratively as a pilot project using the          
Natural Resources Fund.  In order for the program to continue, it is           
essential it be established in law.  This would remedy confidentiality         
requirements that now make it difficult for schools to release the             
names of the scholarship recipients and for the University to contact          
them.                                                                          
                                                                               

1999-03-31                     House Journal                      Page 0627
HB 171                                                                       
While the Alaska Scholars Program fiscal note is showing no general            
fund expenditure, it may well be that the Legislature decides to               
appropriate general funds in the future. Meanwhile, the University is          
prepared to use earnings from the Natural Resource Endowment, but              
this does mean that funds are being diverted from other projects and           
programs that are also of great value to the University and to the State.      
                                                                               
I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure as a means             
to continue our efforts in improving the quality of education in our           
state and expand access to higher levels of learning.                          
                                                                               
							Sincerely,                                                              
							/s/					                                                                
							Tony Knowles                                                            
							Governor"