2002-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1980
Each year my budget proposals in education and Smart Start have                                     
been declared dead on arrival by the Legislative majority. Yet thanks                               
to the vision and grassroots advocacy of thousands of Alaskans and                                  
eventually bipartisan support in the Legislature, good ideas have                                   
prevailed. Rather than tying the commitment for our kids to the price                               
of oil, I believe Alaskans will always put children first.                                          
                                                                                                    
It is worth noting that under my proposed investments, Alaska would                                 
spend $1,100 less per person in today's general fund dollars than in                                
Fiscal 1979 ¾  the year before the pipeline boom began. Budgets have                                
been cut in five of the past six years.                                                             
                                                                                                    
I urge you to consider the future impacts of making similar                                         
investments again this year ¾ better schools, an even more vibrant                                  
university, fewer children abused or in foster care, fewer youth in                                 
detention and young adults in prison, Alaskans filling the best jobs in                             
the economy of the future. These opportunities for tomorrow are well                                
worth the investments we must make today.                                                           
                                                                                                    
I stand ready to work with you to develop a responsible FY2003                                      
budget for Alaskans.                                                                                
                                                                                                    
Sincerely,                                                                                          
/s/                                                                                                 
Tony Knowles                                                                                        
Governor                                                                                            
                                                                                                    
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: