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PSS hopes next governor will help it
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Posted on Nov 17 2005
With the result of the 2005 general elections finally known tomorrow, the Public School System is hoping that whoever wins will be able to help them with their financial needs.
Acting Commissioner of Education David M. Borja told the Saipan Tribune yesterday that the pending election results for the gubernatorial race is something to look forward to but whoever will be declared the new governor should commit to improve the educational system of the CNMI.
“Whoever the governor is, may it be the incumbent [Gov. Juan N. Babauta], Heinz [Rep. Hofschneider] or Ben [House Speaker Benigno Fitial], we hope to have a governor that will lead us in the path that would take care of us,” Borja said.
The acting commissioner also said that, with a new leadership in the Legislature, lawmakers would also be able to assist the PSS in communicating their needs for better education in the CNMI.
The House of Representatives tackled revisions made by the Senate to PSS’ proposed $50 million budget for fiscal year 2005-2006 two days ago and Borja, together with other PSS and Board of Education officials, attended the session.
The PSS reiterated its preference for the original version passed by the lower chamber. “We prefer the House version,” said Benavente, adding that the House version of the bill would guarantee PSS the $50 million budget request.
Benavente said PSS and the BOE are hoping the deliberations would end in an amicable solution, with PSS getting the full $50 million it requested.
“We do need the money as much as possible. “We are all hopeful that they [House] will expedite the process,” said Benavente.
He added that while the budget has not yet been passed, PSS officials have been meeting to streamline plans and help alleviate the problems it is encountering right now due to funding shortage. (Marconi Calindas)
