Flaskback Novmber 28, 2000

[B][U]Novmber 28, 2000[/U][/B] [B]House OKs tax breaks [/B]

Legislation granting tax breaks to new investments as well as present businesses with expansion plans is now before the office of Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio after the lower house yesterday accepted amendments made by the Senate. Proponents urged the local chief executive to immediately act on the measure to pave the way for mostly foreign investors to open new businesses as well as to expand existing establishments. HB 12-199, otherwise known as the “Investment Incentive Act,” seeks to provide tax relief to businesses under a qualifying certificate program administered by the Commonwealth Development Authority.

[B]NMHC sees spike in housing program applicants[/B]

The Northern Marianas Housing Corporation is anticipating an increase in the number of applicants to a public housing program following President Clinton’s signing into law of legislation that makes citizens of the Freely Associated States eligible for Section-8 benefits. Housing Executive Director Marylou S. Ada said the expected increase in the number of applicants for the Section-8 Housing Program will come from citizens of Palau, the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia who have migrated to the CNMI. Ms. Ada disclosed more than 150 families are currently on the waiting list of the federally-funded Public Housing Assistance Program, with majority of the applicants wanting to avail of the NMHC-administered units.

[B][U]November 28, 2001[/U][/B] [B]NMC faces student retention woes[/B]

A pioneering study conducted to improve student retention at the Northern Marianas College affirmed that the public institution is faced with student retention woes somewhat similar to other US two-year colleges. The NMC’s Institutional Effectiveness, in a report, was able to note a 55 percent student withdrawal rate from Fall 2000 to Spring 2001, several points higher than the 47 percent dropout rate based on national norms. The study also reflects a 45 percent student retention rate, solely based on the figures taken from the two regular semesters. This means that out of 944 students who enrolled at the end of Fall last year, 424 returned to take NMC courses in the following Spring semester.

[B]Verizon, Citadel finalizing deal[/B]

Verizon Communications and a consortium of investors led by Citadel Holdings, Inc. are expected to officially close the sale of Micronesian Telecommunications Inc. in the first quarter of 2002. Ownership of MTC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Verizon Communications, will be transferred to the consortium of Citadel, Tan Holdings Corporation and other investors. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. According to Verizon Group Vice President for International Asset Management John Doherty, the sale is contingent upon the approval by the Federal Communications Commission and the Commonwealth Telecommunications Commission on Saipan.

[B][U]November 28, 2002[/U][/B] [B]Community urged to fight substance abuse[/B]

Gov. Juan N. Babauta yesterday urged the community to recommit itself to overall efforts that are aimed at increasing public awareness and understanding on the ills of substance abuse. Babauta issued this statement yesterday after signing a proclamation that declared December as Mental Health and Substance Abuse Awareness Month. The Governor underscored the need for the community to remain sensitive to the needs of individuals who may be at risk of alcohol and substance abuse or suicide.

[B]Cabrera defends MPLA abolition measure[/B]

House Rep. Gloria DLC. Cabrera belied talks that she introduced the bill to abolish the Marianas Public Land Authority out of “retaliation” to the MPLA Board’s termination of the agency’s commissioner. “I suppose that the timing of it does little to assure the people that it has nothing to do with the termination of the former commissioner. But I have not spoken with the former commissioner to date. Nor have I made any effort to contact her,” Cabrera told reporters Tuesday. At the same time, the congresswoman denied that the administration “pressured” her into bringing the legislation to the House floor during Friday’s session.