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.                                              
                                                                                                    
SB 247                                                                                            
SENATE BILL NO. 247 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                                                   
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                                               
                                                                                                    
          "An Act making capital appropriations and                                                 
          reappropriations, 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."