2005-02-09                     Senate Journal                      Page 0254
SB 97                                                                                             
SENATE BILL NO. 97 BY THE SENATE 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.                                      
                                                                                                    
A spreadsheet from the Office of the Governor, Office of Management                                 
and Budget, was submitted. The spreadsheet also applies to SB 62 and                                
SB 98.                                                                                              

2005-02-09                     Senate Journal                      Page 0255
Governor's transmittal letter dated February 7:                                                     
                                                                                                    
Dear President Stevens:                                                                             
                                                                                                    
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