2018-01-16                     Senate Journal                      Page 1744
SB 140                                                                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 140 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                                                                               
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
               "An Act making appropriations, including capital                                                                
                appropriations, and other appropriations; and                                                                  
          providing for an effective date."                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee.                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Governor's transmittal letter dated January 15:                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Dear President Kelly:                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
I am transmitting a bill entitled the Alaska Economic Recovery Act.                                                             
                                                                                                                                
The Act includes $386 million in fiscal year (FY) 2019 capital                                                                  
appropriations, of which $98 million will be supported by federal                                                               
funds, and $280 million with unrestricted general funds. The Act will                                                           
put Alaskans to work, address the State's and communities' growing                                                              
deferred maintenance liability, and provide confidence to Alaska                                                                
businesses and investors.                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
The Act focuses on the maintenance needs of schools, the university,                                                            
and State facilities. It also provides for critical infrastructure upgrades                                                     
and community and housing support. These much-needed investments                                                                
in Alaska's economy will be supported through a limited payroll tax                                                             
proposed in a separate bill.                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
The Walker Administration looks forward to working with the                                                                     
Legislature to pass this bill and put Alaskans to work.                                                                         
                                                                                                                                

2018-01-16                     Senate Journal                      Page 1745
Thank you for your consideration of this bill.                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Sincerely,                                                                                                                      
/s/                                                                                                                             
Bill Walker                                                                                                                     
Governor