Flashback – January 07, 1999, 2000, 2005

January 07, 1999

Gov’t effects 13.4% cut for second quarter
To deal with the projected decline in revenue collections, the financially-troubled government has begun implementing a 13.4 percent cut in the second quarter allotment to departments and agencies, but lowered the budget slash for the Public School System to help it cope with the growing needs of the education sector. While the rest of the agencies received a uniform reduction in the quarterly advise, allocation for PSS was chopped by 9 percent to avert a potential disruption in its operations. The reduced spending level for each department and agency took effect beginning January in line with the revised revenue estimates for Fiscal Year 1999.

Legislature ready to adopt master plan
Legislators are expected to pass a proposed bill to set into motion the recently drafted master plan of various Capital Improvement Projects on the island seen as its only hope to recover from the worsening economic crisis. Members of the Senate yesterday met with Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio and other administration officials to discuss the mechanism on how to utilize some $154 million in funds guaranteed under the Covenant Agreement. Senate Vice President Thomas P. Villagomez said they are ready to support the proposal which will identify local funds to match the federal assistance on Section 702 projects.

January 07, 2000

DOF-House tiff over reimbursement may reach court
Differences with the administration on which expenditures made by lawmakers can be shouldered by the government may reach the court after the House of Representatives yesterday failed to pass a bill amending the “public purpose” law. In its final session before adjourning sine die, the 18-seat chamber failed to meet the required three-fourths votes to approve the measure passed by the Senate in its last session on Tuesday as only 13 members were present. SB 11-161, offered by Senate Floor Leader Pete P. Reyes, would have accepted reimbursements of expenditures incurred by some members of the Legislature that have been questioned by the Department of Finance.

Coalition adopts Caucus Resolution
The bipartisan coalition comprised of members from all three parties has adopted a Caucus Resolution reaffirming their commitment to work “with shared vision of leadership and policy” beginning on the first day of the 12th NMI Legislature. Adopted on Dec. 30, 1999, the resolution says that the group believes that the new House leadership, reflected in the officers and heads of committees, “is the best that the legislature has to offer and will lead us in the new millennium and new time of prosperity for everyone who lives and works here.” “We desire to publicly acknowledge our support for the new leadership and express our confidence that the officers of the House stated herein are truly the right people for the job and will lead the House with dignity, honor and zeal,” according to the resolution.

January 07, 2005

Administration looking at options for La Fiesta
The Babauta administration is confident that it will manage to run the La Fiesta shopping complex without tapping into the CNMI government’s revenues and funds from the federal government. The CNMI Executive Branch plans to pay its obligations involving La Fiesta and continue operating the mall using rental fees and other funding sources, Gov. Juan N. Babauta said yesterday as he and Northern Marianas College signed the final memorandum of agreement transferring the facility from NMC to the central government. “The repayment plan for this is how we use the facility from hereon,” Babauta said.

Chinese tourist not found as search ends
The search for the missing tourist who reportedly drowned off Hidden Beach came to an end Thursday, with authorities unable to locate the individual. Department of Public Safety spokesman Eric F. David said that the search conducted by the Boating Safety Section officers was extended one day at the request of the victim’s family, who arrived on Saipan shortly after hearing the news of their missing relative, 25-year-old Li Yong. Li is the Commonwealth’s first drowning victim of the year. On Sunday, Li was sightseeing with a group of Chinese tourists and tour guide Lu Yong Jian at Hidden Beach, located at the north side of Kingfisher Golf Links in Talafofo when he went missing.