2001-01-12                     Senate Journal                      Page 0069
This legislation provides a more cost-effective way to continue efforts                             
on private and public land to rehabilitate, improve, and protect                                    
Alaska's valuable fish and wildlife habitats. I urge your prompt and                                
favorable action on this measure.                                                                   
                                                                                                    
       Sincerely,                                                                                   
       /s/                                                                                          
       Tony Knowles                                                                                 
       Governor                                                                                     
                                                                                                    
SB 34                                                                                             
SENATE BILL NO. 34 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                                                    
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                                               
                                                                                                    
             "An Act relating to the monthly salary for heads of                                   
            principal executive departments; and providing for an                                  
          effective date."                                                                          
                                                                                                    
was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance                               
Committees.                                                                                         
                                                                                                    
The following fiscal information was published today:                                               
 Fiscal Note. No. 1, zero, Office of the Governor                                                   
                                                                                                    
Governor's transmittal letter dated January 12:                                                     
                                                                                                    
Dear President Halford:                                                                             
                                                                                                    
Present and past administrations have been fortunate to find capable                                
men and women willing to leave far more lucrative jobs to serve the                                 
public in demanding positions as heads of principal state departments.                              
In fact, over the years many candidates have declined offers and                                    
commissioners have left after a short tenure because they could earn                                
so much more in other public and private jobs. While public service                                 
can be personally fulfilling, the state cannot expect to continue to                                
attract and retain talented people unless there is a fair salary                                    
commensurate with the responsibilities of the job.