Legislature(2015 - 2016)
2015-04-28 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2015-04-28 House Journal Page 1155 HB 1001 HOUSE BILL NO. 1001 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 and for certain programs, capitalizing funds, making reappropriations, making capital appropriations, and making appropriations 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. 2015-04-28 House Journal Page 1156 The Governor's transmittal letter dated April 28, 2015, follows: "Dear Speaker Chenault: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the first special session 2016 operating budget and constitutional budget reserve appropriations. Like many Alaskans, I was disappointed that the Legislature adjourned yesterday with a spending plan that runs out of money partway through the year and fails to provide adequate funding for education and health care coverage for 42,000 Alaskans. Therefore, I am introducing a bill to fully fund State government. In short, the Legislature needs to reconsider the operating budget and pass a bill to address critical needs and fund those needs for a full year. My administration is focused on healthy Alaskans and a healthy economy. A partially funded budget that runs out of money mid-year does not provide for the health of Alaskans, and creates uncertainty for businesses, school districts, and families. My budget bill does this by accepting nearly all of the legislative actions throughout the session, but addresses areas where the cuts were too damaging. My bill would reduce State spending - $388 million in operating reductions and $486 million in capital spending. This bill adds $55 million in operating spending and a total of $94 million in added State funding, a 1.4 percent increase from the unfunded budget. My bill also restores funding for the education K-12 formula, partially restores crippling cuts to the Alaska Marine Highway System, Health and Social Services, and the University; honors union contracts; includes Medicaid expansion and the associated State savings, $6.6 million of State general fund savings in fiscal year 2016; includes funding for North Slope gas commercialization; partially restores Trooper aircraft reductions; and restores the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program funding. 2015-04-28 House Journal Page 1157 With this bill, we can continue to move the State forward in a responsible manner. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Bill Walker Governor"