2021-02-18                     House Journal                      Page 0132
HB 71                                                                                                                         
HOUSE BILL NO. 71 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; making supplemental appropriations; and providing for                                                             
     an effective date."                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee.                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
A letter dated January 19, with accompanying spreadsheets, to the                                                               
Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority from Neil Steininger, 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.                                                                          

2021-02-18                     House Journal                      Page 0133
The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 19 follows:                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
"Dear Chief Clerk:                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
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 years 2021 and 2022.                                                             
As required by statute, this bill includes both operating and capital                                                           
appropriations.                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
This budget includes $153.8 million in unrestricted general funds,                                                              
$63.4 million in designated general funds, and $16.7 million in Mental                                                          
Health Trust Authority funds.                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
The fiscal year 2022 proposed mental health budget includes items                                                               
forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget by the Alaska                                                                  
Mental Health Trust Authority (Trust) in support of programs and                                                                
activities that are focused on meeting the treatment and service needs                                                          
of Trust beneficiaries, and making changes that will improve their                                                              
quality of life.                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
I look forward to working with the Legislature on the timely passage                                                            
and implementation of the fiscal year 2022 budget for Alaska's                                                                  
comprehensive mental health program.                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
Sincerely,                                                                                                                      
/s/                                                                                                                             
Mike Dunleavy                                                                                                                   
Governor"