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PSS asks govt for more than $64 million
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Posted on Jul 22 2008
[B]By KRISTI EATON[/B]
[I]kristi_eaton@saipantribune.com
Reporter[/I]
Reporter[/I]
The Public School System submitted a 2008-2009 budget request of more than $64 million to the CNMI government Tuesday.
The proposed budget is about $10 million more than what PSS asked for the 2007-2008 school year, said acting PSS Commissioner Craig Garrison. The additional money is needed for fuel and utility increases, crew retirement and liabilities. PSS received $35 million for the 20 schools in the system last year.
Garrison said he is doubtful PSS will receive the full amount this year.
“I am hopeful, but considering the history of PSS being under-funded for all of history, it probably won’t happen,” he said. “More than likely they’ll give us considerably less.”
Realistically, Garrison said, he would be happy to receive anything above $50 million.
Garrison said he understands that the government has very little money to divide among many departments. “It’s hard to give a large chunk to one entity,” he added.
PSS is asking for more than $33 million for personnel and $22 million for “all others,” Garrison said. Additional funds are needed for accrued liability. A percentage of the budget will also be given to the Office of the Public Auditor.
Garrison said he hopes government officials pass the CNMI budget as soon as possible. PSS needs the allotted amount by Oct. 1, the start of the fiscal year.
Since 1998, the Commonwealth government has only passed two budgets. When no appropriation is passed, the previous year’s budget is used.
“If they don’t pass a budget then we have serious issues,” Garrison said. “If we get another $35 million, I don’t know what’s going to happen.”
It’s imperative government officials remember the importance of the public school system on CNMI, he said.
“PSS is the heart of the islands,” he added. “It’s the life blood. The islands wouldn’t survive without it.”
