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"                                                          
                                                                                                    
HB 47                                                                                             
HOUSE BILL NO. 47 by the House Rules Committee by request of                                        
the Governor, entitled:                                                                             
                                                                                                    
    "An Act making capital appropriations and capitalizing 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: