Legislature(1999 - 2000)
2000-07-14 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2000-07-14 House Journal Page 3909 HB 313 The following letter, dated May 19, 2000, was received from Senator Parnell, Conference Committee Chair, and Representative Mulder, Vice Chair, to Ms. Caren Robinson, Chair, Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, regarding: CONFERENCE CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 313 "An Act making appropriations for the operating and capital expenses of the state's integrated comprehensive mental health program; and providing for an effective date." (transmitted to the Office of the Governor, page 3900) and was transmitted to the Office of the Governor at 11:00 a.m., June12, 2000. 2000-07-14 House Journal Page 3910 HB 313 "Dear Ms. Robinson: Ms. Robinson, Members of the Board and Mr. Jessee, thank you for your continued efforts and work with the Legislature to better serve the beneficiaries of the Alaska Mental Health Trust. In accordance with AS 37.14.005 (C), this letter explains changes made to the Trust's FY01 mental health budget proposal as approved in CCS HB 313 by the Legislature. The FY01 comprehensive program budget approved by the Legislature is $1,663,700 higher than the FY00 authorization. First, congratulations to the Trust Authority for their continued leadership in moving towards results-based budgeting. Additionally, the Trust Authority receives thanks from the Legislature for continuing its bold leadership role in implementing a new mental health system and replacing an aging mental health hospital. Alaska and Trust beneficiaries look forward to this new mental health system of care. Significant funding highlights are as follows: Department of Administration Senior Services, Protection, Community Services and Administration The Trust requested an increase of $836,600 for assisted living rate increases. By passing Senate Bill 73, the Legislature was able to include a $1,040,600 increase in funding for the assisted living rate. The assisted living rate will increase from $50 a day in FY01 to $60 a day in FY02 and $70 a day in FY03. Department of Health and Social Services Medicaid Services $1,283,000 general funds were replaced with MHTAAR to assist in beneficiaries' much needed Medicaid health care. In a time of rapidly increasing health care costs and decreasing general funds, the Legislature appreciates the Trust's commitment to helping its beneficiaries with health care. 2000-07-14 House Journal Page 3911 HB 313 State Health Services, Healthy Families $466,000 of these services will be funded through a different funding source to pay for ongoing efforts in supporting Alaska's families. State Health Services, Infant Learning Grants The Legislature was able to fund an increase in this grant program greater than the amount requested by the Trust. An increase of $700,000 in Infant Learning Grants will be provided from a funding source other than general funds. Alcohol and Drug Abuse Grants The Legislature approved an increment of $500,000 MHTAAR for substance abuse treatment for women. Capital Projects The Legislature approved an increment of $100,000 MHTAAR for a Juneau Senior Services Adult Day Facility study. In addition, there was an increase in employees' salaries and benefits as a result of the passage of House Bill 3001. This results in an increase of $593,200 in general funds/mental health, $61,800 in MHTAAR and $11,200 in MHT Administration. Individual transactions that identify the differences between the Legislature's approved comprehensive program budget for FY01 and the Governor's mental health request are provided by the enclosed reports from Legislative Finance. Sincerely, /s/ Senator Sean Parnell Conference Committee Chair /s/ Representative Eldon Mulder Conference Committee Vice Chair Enclosure"