2004-01-12                     Senate Journal                      Page 1907
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                                                                                            
                                                                                                    
SB 258                                                                                            
SENATE BILL NO. 258 BY THE SENATE 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.                                      
                                                                                                    
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.                                           
                                                                                                    
Governor's transmittal letter dated January 12:                                                     
                                                                                                    
Dear President Therriault:                                                                          
                                                                                                    
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