Legislature(1999 - 2000)
2000-05-04 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2000-05-04 House Journal Page 3795 HB 3001 HOUSE BILL NO. 3001 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act appropriating amounts to cover the fiscal year 2001 monetary terms of the collective bargaining agreements for employees of the University of Alaska and the fiscal year 2001 salary and benefit adjustments for university employees who are not members of a collective bargaining unit; appropriating amounts to cover the fiscal year 2001 monetary terms of all executive branch collective bargaining agreements and the fiscal year 2001 salary and benefit adjustments for elected officials, officers, and employees of the legislative, judicial, and executive branches who are not members of a collective bargaining unit; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. The Governor's transmittal letter dated May 4, 2000, appears below: "Dear Speaker Porter: I am transmitting two bills to this third special session of the Twenty- First Legislature of the State of Alaska which provide necessary 2000-05-04 House Journal Page 3796 HB 3001 appropriations and statutory authorizations to honor our collective bargaining agreements and to extend similar provisions to non-covered employees in the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. I believe these modest increases are fair. The yearly increases of approximately 2%, 2% and 3% are far below most federal and local government contracts. In response to recent low oil revenues, last year state workers had no increase and for the last four years had increases less than half the cost of living. We all know it is necessary to keep state compensation competitive in an environment where private, federal and local employers have made significantly larger gains. Each day these dedicated state employees provide vital services to keep the public safe and healthy, and keep state services functioning efficiently. Some are even called upon to risk their lives in service to the state. I believe we all value the work that these men and women perform for all Alaskans. The appropriations in this bill use the same wide variety of fund sources which currently finance state government, such as federal funds, general funds and corporate receipts. The Administration will work with the Legislature to look for fund sources which could reduce the need for general funds. Now that the other business of the regular session has been concluded, there is an opportunity to focus on the contracts. I will work with you to achieve a swift and successful conclusion to this special session. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor"