2003-03-05                     House Journal                      Page 0437
HB 165                                                                                            
HOUSE BILL NO. 165 by the House Rules Committee by request of                                       
the Governor, entitled:                                                                             
                                                                                                    
     "An Act relating to community schools; and providing for an                                    
     effective date."                                                                               
                                                                                                    
was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on                              
Education and the Health, Education & Social Services and Finance                                   
Committees.                                                                                         
                                                                                                    
The following fiscal note(s) apply:                                                                 
                                                                                                    
1.  Fiscal, Dept. of Education & Early Development                                                  
                                                                                                    
The Governor's transmittal letter dated March 5, 2003, follows:                                     
                                                                                                    
"Dear Speaker Kott:                                                                                 
                                                                                                    
Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am                          
transmitting a bill that would repeal AS 14.36.010 through                                          
AS 14.36.070, the Community Schools Grant Program.                                                  
                                                                                                    
While the value of providing access to school facilities beyond the                                 
school day continues to be important in Alaskan communities, the                                    
level of funding for the program does very little on a statewide basis to                           
support the effort.                                                                                 
                                                                                                    
The community schools statute was adopted in 1975.  The purpose and                                 
intent section of the law is very clear.  The grant program was enacted                             
to provide financial support to encourage and assist local school                                   
districts in establishing community school programs.  The funds                                     

2003-03-05                     House Journal                      Page 0438
provided assistance to local communities in the initial development,                                
implementation and operations of community school programs.                                         
                                                                                                    
This program has fulfilled its intended purpose, as all school districts                            
currently offer a community schools program.                                                        
                                                                                                    
I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure.                                            
                                                                                                    
                                 Sincerely,                                                        
                                 /s/                                                                
                                 Frank H. Murkowski                                                 
                                  Governor"