2003-01-24                     Senate Journal                      Page 0050
This Administration will use the next five weeks to prepare for                                     
delivery to you a responsive state budget for fiscal year 2004.                                     
Departments are evaluating all services they deliver, using the process                             
set forth in Administrative Order 202. This process includes                                        
identification of the intended purpose of all programs, their                                       
effectiveness in delivering those results, and the efficiency in which                              
they use public dollars. The goal is to provide a basis upon which                                  
reasoned budget decisions may be made that further the goals of my                                  
Administration.                                                                                     
                                                                                                    
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                                                                                            
                                                                                                    
A copy of Administrative Order 202 was enclosed.                                                    
                                                                                                    
SB 36                                                                                             
SENATE BILL NO. 36 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                                                    
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                                               
                                                                                                    
          "An Act making appropriations for the operating                                           
          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.                                      
                                                                                                    
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 transmitted.