House OKs $11.5-million supplemental budget

Demapan

The House of Representatives yesterday unanimously passed a supplemental budget that allocates $11.5 million to the CNMI Settlement Fund and $3.5 million for the CNMI State Public School System.

House Bill 2-187 HD2, which now goes to the Senate for further action, appropriates a total of $20,884,522. The money comes from the Special Casino Gross Revenue Tax Account. The funds are for the ongoing fiscal year that is about to end on Sunday, Sept. 30.

“We needed to act fast so that the Settlement Fund, PSS, and Northern Marianas College could fulfill their obligations,” said Rep. Angel A. Demapan (R-House), who introduced the bill. “The funds [allocated] are for expenses they incurred for the end of the month, because [SCGRT] is not elapsing.”

“They [agencies] can actually fulfill their obligations. Because of the urgency, we’re also hopeful the Senate can also act on it quickly. They [Senate] are aware that this bill is forthcoming.”

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres advised the Legislature—House and Senate—last week, identifying the funds that are available for appropriation. This was the second supplemental appropriations bill after Public Law 20-42 early this year.

All 18 members present voted “yea” while vice speaker Janet U. Maratita (R-Saipan) and Rep. Joe I. Itibus (R-Saipan) were excused in yesterday’s session at the House chamber on Capital Hill.

Demapan said $11,534,522 would go the Settlement Fund. “The [amount] is overdue payments by the Commonwealth government for fiscal year 2016.”

“As you know, the Settlement Fund agreement has a provision that whenever the revenues in a certain fiscal year go above the projection, 17 percent of the difference goes to the Settlement Fund. The $11 million is to pay for the 17 percent difference from fiscal year 2016,” added Demapan.

A total of $3.5 million is intended for the CNMI retiree bonuses and will be equally distributed to all members of the Settlement Class and CNMI Retirement Fund that are receiving an annuity.

H.B. 20-187 also allocates $3.7 million for PSS, with $1.7 million allocated for their Group Health and Life Insurance program while $446,798 is intended for their operating expenses and repairs.

Rep. Edwin P. Aldan (R-Tinian), the House Education Committee chair, entered a floor amendment to increase from $40,000 to $60,0000 the amount allocated for the construction of the Tinian Elementary School amphitheater. The amount remains part of the $446,798.

House floor leader Rep. Glenn P. Maratita (R-Rota) also included the purchase of 41 air-conditioning units and one riding mower for the Dr. Rita H. Inos Junior/Senior High School from the same money intended for operational and repair expenses.

Others included in PSS’ $3.7- million allocation is $700,000 for the Special Education Program, $400,000 for utilities, $200,000 for the Leadership Core Program, $153,202 for e-rate matching, and $100,000 for CIP projects.

Demapan said the bill is part of the $12-million supplemental budget for PSS that they passed early this year. “We had committed to give them [PSS] $15 million, so the $3.7 million fulfills that commitment.”

Demapan said NMC would be receiving $1 million, which is the same amount for Rota’s recovery efforts after the devastation wrought by Typhoon Mangkhut while the Marianas Political Status Commission is allocated $150,000. “It’s for the current [fiscal year 2016]. For PSS and NMC to pay for their expenditures for fiscal year 2018.”