2012-01-17                     House Journal                      Page 1348
HB 285                                                                                                                        
HOUSE BILL NO. 285 by the House Rules Committee by request of                                                                   
the Governor, entitled:                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                

2012-01-17                     House Journal                      Page 1349
    "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.                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
A letter dated January 13, 2012, with accompanying spreadsheets, to                                                             
the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority from Karen J. Rehfeld,                                                                 
Director, Office of Management and Budget, was attached (as required                                                            
by AS 37.14.003) and is on file in the Chief Clerk's office.                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 13, 2012, follows:                                                              
                                                                                                                                
"Dear Speaker Chenault:                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska                                                                    
Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the State's                                                                  
comprehensive mental health program for Fiscal Year 2013 (FY                                                                    
2013). As required by statute, it includes both operating and capital                                                           
appropriations. Also, as required, the enclosed report outlines the                                                             
differences between the recommendations of the Alaska Mental Health                                                             
Trust Authority and my proposed budget.                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
The proposed mental health budget represents a cooperative effort                                                               
between State agencies and the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority.                                                            
These productive working relationships make a positive difference for                                                           
Alaska's mental health beneficiaries.                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
I am proposing a reasonable budget that holds the line on government                                                            
spending and provides a more stable and secure future for our families.                                                         
With budget discipline, targeted spending, and managing our savings,                                                            
Alaska's cash reserves and excellent bond rating will provide us with                                                           
economic opportunities for years to come.                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
I look forward to working with the Legislature to finalize the mental                                                           
health budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Thank you for your                                                                  
consideration of this bill.                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                

2012-01-17                     House Journal                      Page 1350
Sincerely,                                                                                                                      
/s/                                                                                                                             
Sean Parnell                                                                                                                    
Governor"