2025-01-24                     Senate Journal                      Page 0058
SB 58                                                                                                                         
SENATE BILL NO. 58 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 20:                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Dear President Stevens:                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
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) 2026. As                                                               
required by statute, this bill includes both operating and capital                                                              
appropriations.                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                

2025-01-24                     Senate Journal                      Page 0059
This budget totals $245.5 million and includes $184.5 million in                                                                
unrestricted general funds, $39.6 million in designated general funds,                                                          
and $21.4 million in Mental Health Trust Authority funds.                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
The FY 2026 proposed mental health budget includes 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.                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
I look forward to working with the Legislature on the timely passage                                                            
and implementation of the FY 2026 budget for Alaska’s                                                                           
comprehensive mental health program.                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
Sincerely,                                                                                                                      
/s/                                                                                                                             
Mike Dunleavy                                                                                                                   
Governor