2004-01-12                     House Journal                      Page 2304
Another $75 million will come from the sale of bonds by the Alaska                                  
Student Loan Corporation (ASLC) as part of a multi-year plan by                                     
which ASLC will repay the state for its initial investment of $300                                  
million in student loan programs.  The proposal reflects its desire to                              
assist the state in bridging the current fiscal gap.  This proposal will                            
have no impact on student loan programs. Additional bond issues are                                 
planned for 2005 and 2006.  ASLC plans to repay the state up to $260                                
million by the end of FY 2007.                                                                      
                                                                                                    
I look forward to working closely with this Legislature to jointly craft                            
a capital budget that efficiently provides Alaska residents essential                               
state services at a cost that the state can afford over the long-term.                              
                                                                                                    
                               Sincerely yours,                                                     
                               /s/                                                                  
                               Frank H. Murkowski                                                   
                                Governor"                                                          
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
HB 377                                                                                            
HOUSE BILL NO. 377 by the House 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.                                      
                                                                                                    
The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 9, 2004, follows:                                   
                                                                                                    
"Dear Speaker Kott:                                                                                 
                                                                                                    
I am today transmitting a separate FY2005 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.