2021-01-25                     Senate Journal                      Page 0065
SB 51                                                                                                                         
SENATE BILL NO. 51 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; making                                                                           
          supplemental appropriations; 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 19:                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
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.                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                

2021-01-25                     Senate Journal                      Page 0066
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