Budget faces tough time in Senate

The FY 2000 budget bill will face tougher review in the Senate despite unanimous approval in the lower house — a move that could further delay its passage, according to lawmakers.
Senate Floor Leader Pete P. Reyes said they expect to scrutinize each item in the proposed spending package for the current fiscal year to find out where most of the money have been appropriated.
“We are going to look at it and at the same time, try to facilitate the passage of the budget bill,” he said.
Among the chief concerns by senators are the amount set aside for scholarship and medical referral programs which they believe should get sufficient raise to address the needs of the people.
“I want to get actively involved in the budget review,” said Mr. Reyes, who used to head the Fiscal Affairs Committee during the previous Senate.
Its present chair, Sen. Edward U. Maratita, has yet to begin deliberation on the budget proposal, although he has expressed doubt of ever having the House version passed the upper chamber.
Senators from both the Rota and Tinian delegation have also opposed the cut made on the budget of each of their respective municipality. The two districts have asked $15 million each for the current fiscal year.
Under the bill passed by the House last week, Rota will get $13.2 million and Tinian, $13.4 million.
Since October 1999, the government has been running under the continuing resolution reflecting the previous year’s spending limit of $216 million.
House Bill 12-1 has a proposed appropriation of $211 million, including $4.1 million which will be used strictly by the Division of Public Lands.
It was finally passed halfway through the fiscal year, but only after the House changed several provisions to augment share of key agencies, including that of the Legislature, while slashing appropriation to several government programs.
Education, health, and public safety will eat up nearly half of the proposed spending level as their funding have been increased by the House Ways and Means Committee.
Most of the agencies received drastic cuts, particularly those independent programs which collectively suffered a 37 percent reduction compared to what the governor requested in his proposal submitted in April last year.
From $22.97 million, programs such as Karidat, Little League and the Marianas Visitors Authority, the proposed appropriation is now down to $14.5 million.
Others receiving smaller share this year include the judicial branch, the Office of the Washington Representatives and several departments under the executive branch.
Those getting budget hike are the Legislature, the Office of the Governor, Rota and Tinian municipalities as well as the Saipan mayor’s office. (Benhur C. Saladores)