2005-01-14                     Senate Journal                      Page 0057
SB 44                                                                                             
SENATE BILL NO. 44 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, 2005:                                               
                                                                                                    
Dear President Stevens:                                                                             
                                                                                                    
I am today transmitting a separate FY 2006 appropriations bill for the                              
state's comprehensive mental health program.  As required by statute,                               
it includes both operating and capital appropriations and is                                        
accompanied by a report outlining the differences between my budget                                 
and the recommendations of the Alaska Mental Health Trust                                           
Authority.                                                                                          
                                                                                                    
The proposed mental health budget represents a cooperative effort                                   
between state agencies, the Trustees, and Trust Authority staff.                                    
Coupled with the resources that have been appropriated in recent                                    
years, these productive working relationships have made a positive                                  

2005-01-14                     Senate Journal                      Page 0058
difference for Alaska's mental health beneficiaries.  Regrettably, we                               
were unable to augment some of the Trust's requests with state general                              
funds.                                                                                              
                                                                                                    
I look forward to working with the Legislature this session.                                        
                                                                                                    
Sincerely yours,                                                                                    
/s/                                                                                                 
Frank H. Murkowski                                                                                  
Governor