2003-03-06                     Senate Journal                      Page 0382
SB 35                                                                                             
SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR SENATE BILL NO. 35 BY THE                                                    
SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE                                                            
GOVERNOR, entitled:                                                                                 
                                                                                                    

2003-03-06                     Senate Journal                      Page 0383
          "An Act making appropriations for the operating and                                       
          loan program expenses of state government, for                                            
          certain programs, and to capitalize 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."                                       
                                                                                                    
was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee.                                      
Governor's transmittal letter dated March 5:                                                        
                                                                                                    
Dear President Therriault:                                                                          
                                                                                                    
The operating budget bill delivered today contains my proposal for the                              
2004 fiscal year.                                                                                   
                                                                                                    
This Administration has gone through an extensive process to evaluate                               
state programs in order to prepare the state budget. Given our current                              
financial situation, many programs are eliminated or reduced, while                                 
some programs are increased. Several of my budget proposals require                                 
legislative change to be implemented. The necessary legislation                                     
accompanies the budget submission.                                                                  
                                                                                                    
I look forward to working closely with this Legislature to jointly craft                            
a responsive state 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