2000-02-08                     Senate Journal                      Page 2225
SB 254                                                                       
SENATE BILL NO. 254 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                              
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                          
                                                                               
An Act relating to heirloom certificates of                                   
marriage.                                                                      
                                                                               
was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education and              
Social Services and Finance Committees.                                        
                                                                               
Fiscal note published today from Department of Health and Social               
Services.                                                                      
                                                                               
Governors transmittal letter dated February 4:                                 
                                                                               
Dear President Pearce:                                                         
                                                                               
One of the efforts in which the Administration and the Legislature             
can take great pride is the revitalization of the Alaska Children's            
Trust. Alaskans have responded with overwhelming support to help               
build the principal of the trust to more than $9 million. Proceeds             
from the trust provide grants to communities and agencies statewide            
to prevent child abuse and neglect and create healthier lives for              
children.                                                                      
                                                                               
                                                                               

2000-02-08                     Senate Journal                      Page 2226
SB 254                                                                       
One fundraising effort for the trust is the sale of heirloom birth             
certificates. The sales raised more than $50,000 for the Children's            
Trust last year and is the most successful fundraising program of its          
type nationwide.                                                               
                                                                               
This bill I transmit today expands the birth certificate program by            
establishing an heirloom marriage certificate suitable for display.            
Hopefully $25 from the sale proceeds for each certificate would be             
appropriated by the legislature to the Alaska Children's Trust. This           
program offers an excellent and appealing way to continue the                  
worthwhile work of the Children's Trust.                                       
                                                                               
I urge your favorable consideration of this bill.                              
                                                                               
					Sincerely,                                                                
					/s/                                                                       
					Tony Knowles                                                              
					Governor