2002-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1980
SB 246                                                                                            
SENATE BILL NO. 246 BY THE SENATE 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.                                      
                                                                                                    
Governor's transmittal letter dated January 16:                                                     
                                                                                                    

2002-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1981
Dear President Halford:                                                                             
                                                                                                    
I am today transmitting a separate FY2003 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 budget                                 
and the recommendations of the Alaska Mental Health Trust                                           
Authority.                                                                                          
                                                                                                    
Alaska continues to improve services to beneficiaries of the mental                                 
health settlement and has become a national leader in the transition to                             
community-based programs. To continue that progress, this proposal                                  
effectively uses a combination of Trust Authority receipts, general                                 
funds and Alaska Housing Finance Corporation receipts.                                              
                                                                                                    
The proposed mental health budget represents a cooperative effort                                   
between state agencies and the Trustees and staff of the Trust                                      
Authority. Together with the resources we have appropriated in recent                               
years, their productive working relationships have helped make a                                    
positive difference for Alaska's mental health beneficiaries.                                       
                                                                                                    
Sincerely,                                                                                          
/s/                                                                                                 
Tony Knowles                                                                                        
Governor                                                                                            
                                                                                                    
In accordance with AS 37.14.003(b) a report of the differences                                      
between the Governor's proposed budget and the recommendations of                                   
the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority was attached.