Legislature(2017 - 2018)
2017-01-18 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2017-01-18 House Journal Page 0046 HB 59 HOUSE BILL NO. 59 by the House 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. 2017-01-18 House Journal Page 0047 A letter dated January 13 with accompanying spreadsheets, to the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority from Pat Pitney, 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 17 follows: "Dear Speaker Edgmon: 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 (FY) 2018. 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 (Trust) and my proposed budget. The total FY 2018 mental health budget of $229.4 million represents a $9.1 million reduction from FY 2017. The FY 2018 budget includes $16.7 million of the Trust's $16.9 million operating budget recommendations and $12.1 million of the Trust's $15.2 million capital budget recommendations. These amounts are in addition to $200.6 million of annual base funding. The mental health operating budget reflects reductions to grant programs, reform to the Medicaid program, increases to criminal justice recidivism reduction programs, and salary and health benefit adjustments. Reports comparing Trust recommendations to those included in the FY 2018 Governor's operating and capital mental health budgets are available at https: / / www.omb.alaska.gov / ombfiles / 18_budget / PDFs/ Mental_ Health_Budget_Reports_01-10-17.pdf. The State's fiscal situation requires that all areas of government maximize efficiencies. The Trust's encouragement and support of Medicaid and criminal justice reform have had a positive impact on the State. Moving forward, a comprehensive fiscal plan to address State revenue will help ensure the sustainability of programs to support Alaska's mental health beneficiaries. We look forward to working with the Legislature on the FY 2018 budget bills and revenue solutions. 2017-01-18 House Journal Page 0048 Thank you for your consideration of this bill. Sincerely, /s/ Bill Walker Governor"