2009-01-22                     House Journal                      Page 0064
HB 81                                                                                                                         
HOUSE BILL NO. 81 by the House Rules Committee by request of                                                                    
the Governor, entitled:                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
    "An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan                                                                    
    program expenses of state government, for certain programs, and                                                             
    to capitalize funds; making supplemental appropriations; and                                                                
    making appropriations under art. IX, sec. 17(c), Constitution of                                                            
    the State of Alaska; and providing for an effective date."                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee.                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 21, 2009, follows:                                                              
                                                                                                                                
"Dear Speaker Chenault:                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Today I am transmitting to you the FY2010 operating budget bill.  As                                                            
I indicated when I released the budget on December 15, 2008, this                                                               
budget is consistent with the fiscal plan that has guided this                                                                  
administration and builds on our commitment to live within our                                                                  
means, save for the future, and control government spending.                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
When the budget was released on December 15, 2008, our revenue                                                                  
forecast indicated that we would have a FY2010 budget surplus of                                                                
nearly $390 million that would flow into the constitutional budget                                                              
reserve fund at the end of the fiscal year based upon a per barrel oil                                                          
price of $74.41.  We all know that oil prices currently are well below                                                          
that price.  We will continue to closely monitor oil price and                                                                  
production and will be providing updated revenue information for                                                                
your consideration.                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
The good news is that Alaska has tools in place to address these                                                                
challenges; fiscal discipline and prudent use of reserves to stabilize                                                          
Alaska's economy, keep Alaskans employed, and industry moving.  I                                                               

2009-01-22                     House Journal                      Page 0065
look forward to working with the Legislature to finalize the operating                                                          
budget for the upcoming fiscal year.                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
                               Sincerely,                                                                                      
                               /s/                                                                                              
                              Sarah Palin                                                                                      
                               Governor"