2005-02-09                     House Journal                      Page 0269
HB 134                                                                                            
HOUSE BILL NO. 134 by the House Rules Committee by request of                                       
the Governor, entitled:                                                                             
                                                                                                    
     "An Act making supplemental, capital, and other appropriations,                                
     and reappropriations; amending appropriations; making                                          
     appropriations to capitalize funds; making an appropriation 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.                                      
                                                                                                    

2005-02-09                     House Journal                      Page 0270
A spreadsheet from the Office of the Governor, Office of Management                                 
and Budget, pertaining to the supplemental requests was submitted.                                  
The spreadsheet also applies to HB 79 and HB 135.                                                   
                                                                                                    
The Governor's transmittal letter dated February 7, 2005, follows:                                  
                                                                                                    
"Dear Speaker Harris:                                                                               
                                                                                                    
I am transmitting to you today two supplemental appropriation bills                                 
for Fiscal Year 2005.  Issues requiring attention on an expedited basis                             
are in a separate "fast track" bill.  The enclosed bill, however, includes                          
supplemental needs with less immediate timing requirements.                                         
                                                                                                    
We are submitting a combined package (both "fast track" and regular)                                
that, along with the previously transmitted Division of Elections                                   
supplemental bill, totals $141.3 million in general funds.  This reflects                           
necessary program cost increases, along with several priority                                       
initiatives.                                                                                        
                                                                                                    
There always are circumstances beyond state government's                                            
management control such as fire costs, response to disasters, and large                             
self-insurance losses.  In addition, funding is included for my initiative                          
to fight substance abuse.  This bill totals $43.6 million in general                                
funds.                                                                                              
                                                                                                    
In some instances, we have been able to cover shortfalls in one area by                             
excess appropriations in another. One example is that based on current                              
estimates of general funds needed for the foundation formula, $14.1                                 
million can be transferred to cover other supplemental needs.  Another                              
$2.2 million is available for reallocation from adult public assistance                             
and the general relief program.                                                                     
                                                                                                    
The administration's goal is to do all we can to limit future                                       
supplemental requests.  To that end, we look forward to working with                                
you on the funding levels for the Fiscal Year 2006 operating budget.                                
                                                                                                    
                                Sincerely yours,                                                    
                                /s/                                                                 
                                Frank H. Murkowski                                                  
                                 Governor"