Flashback May 17, 1999-2001

[B]May 17, 1999

Murkowski files new takeover bill[/B]

The chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources has introduced a new legislation seeking full extension of federal immigration laws to the Northern Marianas, reviving some provisions of an initial measure that won support last year from committee members. Sen. Frank Murkowski (R-Alaska) co-sponsored the bill with Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii) in another fresh attempt by Washington to reform labor and immigration standards on the island.

[B]Investigate consumer prices[/B]

Alarmed by the disparity of consumer prices between the CNMI and Guam, a legislator has urged administration officials to investigate shipping companies, wholesalers and retailers who may be responsible for jacking up the cost of goods being sold on the island. Rep. Melvin Faisao said he has received complaints on the expensive products that have pushed the cost of living in the CNMI as one of the highest in the nation.

[B]CPA scrambles for cash to improve airport[/B]

The Commonwealth Ports Authority is studying various financing scheme to raise the additional $9 to $11 million needed to carry out the expansion of West Tinian Airport, according to Carlos H. Salas, executive director. With the $4 million Capital Improvement Fund set aside by the Tinian Legislative Delegation and the $4.6 million grant of the Federal Aviation Administration, Salas said the ports authority would have to look for the best financing offer to complete the project.

[B]May 17, 2000

OPA asked to revive audit on Guerrero[/B]

In an apparent sign of retaliation against Sen. Ramon S. Guerrero for his expose, the Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Governmental Investigations is reportedly re-opening an earlier audit done on the Saipan senator when he was still the executive director of the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation. Committee chair Sen. Joaquin G. Adriano yesterday asked the Office of Public Auditor to provide the EAGI a status report of the “alleged lump-sum payment of overtime, night differential, annual leave, compensatory leave, etc.” made to the former CUC chief.

[B]JTPA seeks support of private sector[/B]

The Job Training Partnership Act has called on the private sector for support in placing a portion of the 400 high school students targeted to participate in the Summer Youth Employment and Training Program. JTPA Executive Director Felix Nogis yesterday invited members of the Saipan Rotary Club, an organization of business entrepreneurs, to take in trainees for its Summer Youth Employment and Training program.

[B]U.S. military sub arrives on Saipan today
[/B] Marking a first in Commonwealth history, the Northern Marianas will witness today the arrival of a state-of-the-art United States military submarine carrying over 100 officers and crewmen at the Saipan International Harbor. USS Columbus is a 360-foot submarine based at the Pearl Harbor in Oahu, Hawaii. Officials said the submarine, which has a total of 133 men on board, will remain docked at the Saipan harbor until Monday.

[B]May 17, 2001

Education getting less financial support[/B]

Financial support for public education in the Northern Marianas has declined dramatically over the last two fiscal years, with the Public School System losing as much as $7.5 million in overall local and federal funds. Based on PSS fiscal data submitted to the National Center for Education Statistics, the net expenditure in FY 2000 was $2.24 million less than in FY 1999.

[B]Women legislators’ support sought to block takeover bill[/B]

The CNMI is soliciting support of women legislators throughout the mainland United States in a bid to block attempts to federalize local labor and immigration systems. House Committee on Health and Welfare Chair Malua T. Peter yesterday started sending out letters to more than 500 members of the National Organization of Women in Legislature and the National Foundation of Women Legislators.