2001-01-12                     House Journal                      Page 0068
HB 46                                                                                             
HOUSE BILL NO. 46 by the House Rules Committee by request of                                        
the Governor, entitled:                                                                             
                                                                                                    
    "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."                                                  
                                                                                                    
was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee.                                      
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
A letter dated January 10, 2001, with an accompanying spreadsheet, to                               
the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority from the Office of                                         
Management and Budget was attached (as required by                                                  
AS 37.14.003(b)) and is on file in the Chief Clerk's office.                                        
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 10, 2001, appears                                   
below:                                                                                              
                                                                                                    

2001-01-12                     House Journal                      Page 0069
"Dear Speaker Porter:                                                                               
                                                                                                    
I am today transmitting to you a separate FY2002 appropriations bill                                
for the state's comprehensive mental health program.  As required by                                
statute, it includes both operating and capital appropriations and is                               
accompanied by a report outlining the differences between my                                        
proposed budget and the recommendations of the Alaska Mental                                        
Health Authority.                                                                                   
                                                                                                    
Alaska continues to make considerable progress in serving                                           
beneficiaries of the mental health settlement and emphasizing                                       
community based services.  This budget proposal continues that                                      
progress with careful investments of Trust Authority receipts, general                              
funds and Alaska Housing Finance Corporation receipts for housing-                                  
related capital projects.                                                                           
                                                                                                    
The bill represents a cooperative effort between several departments in                             
my Administration and the Trustees and staff of the Alaska Mental                                   
Health Trust Authority.  We look forward to working with the                                        
Legislature in evaluating and implementing this budget proposal for                                 
mental health services for the Trust's beneficiaries.                                               
                                                                                                    
                               Sincerely,                                                          
                               /s/                                                                  
                               Tony Knowles                                                         
                                Governor"