2020-01-21                     Senate Journal                      Page 1519
SB 153                                                                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 153 BY THE SENATE 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.                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
In accordance with AS 37.14.003(b) a report of the differences                                                                  
between the Governor's proposed budget and the recommendations of                                                               
the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority was transmitted.                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Governor's transmittal letter dated January 17:                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Dear President Giessel:                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
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) 2021. As                                                               
required by statute, it includes both operating and capital                                                                     
appropriations.                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
This budget utilizes $157.8 million in Unrestricted General Funds                                                               
(UGF), $52.4 million in Designated General Funds (DGF) and $17.2                                                                
million in Mental Health Trust Authority Funds (Other State Funds).                                                             
                                                                                                                                
The FY 2021 proposed mental health budget reflects the requests that                                                            
were put forward to the Office of Management and Budget by the                                                                  
Alaska Mental Health Trust (Trust). The requests support programs                                                               
and activities in Trust focus areas that meet the identified treatment                                                          
and service needs of Trust beneficiaries and areas of system change to                                                          
improve the lives of beneficiaries. Trust focus areas include housing                                                           

2020-01-21                     Senate Journal                      Page 1520
and long-term services and supports, beneficiary employment and                                                                 
engagement, substance abuse prevention and treatment, and disability                                                            
justice.                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
I look forward to working with the Legislature to produce a FY 2021                                                             
mental health budget for Alaska.                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Sincerely,                                                                                                                      
/s/                                                                                                                             
Mike Dunleavy                                                                                                                   
Governor