Legislature(2001 - 2002)
2001-01-12 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2001-01-12 House Journal Page 0066 HB 45 HOUSE BILL NO. 45 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: 2001-01-12 House Journal Page 0067 "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." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 10, 2001, appears below: "Dear Speaker Porter: The Fiscal Year 2002 operating budget I am transmitting today is known as my "Jobs and Families Budget." It addresses three key goals: maintains the existing level of vital public services Alaskans need; makes additional strategic investments for Alaska families in education, early childhood development, public health and public safety; and it helps create and protect jobs for Alaska families. The total budget includes a $145 million general fund increase over the current fiscal year. Yet it is $140 million less than in Fiscal '95 and nearly 1,700 inflation-adjusted dollars less per Alaskan than in Fiscal 1979, the last pre-oil boom year. Some $80 million of the proposed increase is necessary just to maintain existing services. Recent legislatures have approved, and now we must operate, a new Anchorage jail, new health lab and additional juvenile correctional centers in Ketchikan, Juneau and Anchorage. We have higher caseloads for such vital services as health care for the elderly and disabled. We must fund legislatively- approved labor contracts. Paying the interest on bonds for new schools approved in recent years will cost $28 million. And the number of Alaskans to whom we must provide services has grown 14 percent in the past decade. In addition I have incorporated funds to improve education from child care through K-12 and the university; for our public health initiative to fight TB, hepatitis C, arctic contaminants, food borne illness and other 2001-01-12 House Journal Page 0068 serious public health problems; and to protect the public's safety by providing funds for more law enforcement personnel, child and senior protection, emergency services, and alcohol enforcement and treatment. The general fund deficit for the coming year is projected to be more than $500 million. Based on the fall forecast, our Constitutional Budget Reserve would be depleted in less than 5 years. We need to work together to develop a long-term budget plan during this session to ensure the state's financial integrity. I stand ready to work with you to make responsible choices to benefit all Alaskans. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor"