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House backs NMC supplemental budget
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Posted on Dec 15 2006
The House of Representatives is insisting on a reprogramming request for Northern Marianas College, despite recognition that government does not have funds available.
A majority of the lawmakers voted on Thursday in favor of adopting House Joint Resolution 15-13, urging the governor to reprogram $562,500 from the savings realized from the twice-monthly austerity holidays so NMC can hire more personnel.
The Fitial administration had earlier said that the government did not have the money to reprogram. Press secretary Charles P. Reyes Jr. explained that whatever money that the government is not spending during austerity holidays does not result in saved cash; it only reduces the existing deficit.
“I am not sure if this will materialize, but this is certainly an effort to help NMC maintain its accreditation,” said House Minority Leader Arnold I. Palacios.
Another lawmaker, Rep. Cinta Kaipat, acknowledged Reyes’ reasoning, but expressed hope that the resolution would compel the administration to look for other sources of money to give to NMC.
Only Rep. Stanley T. Torres, who has repeatedly criticized NMC’s spending, voted against the resolution.
H.J.R. 15-13 now goes to the Senate for concurrence. House Vice Speaker Justo S. Quitugua authored the resolution in connection with an accrediting agency’s recommendation that certain college positions be filled.
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges has urged NMC to hire directors for information and learning technology, admissions and records, library programs and services, operations, and human resources. WASC also urges NMC to fill the positions of dean of community programs, chief accountant, maintenance manager, two additional instructors for the School of Education, and one additional instructor for the School of Nursing.
