Fate of federally funded workers still up in the air

As government employees brace for a new wave of work-hour cuts that will take effect on March 15, the hope for federally funded employees to be exempted from the austerity measure remains.

In an earlier interview, Finance Secretary David Atalig revealed that all departments have asked for exemptions, mainly from federal programs, and at that time, none are being honored, adding that it is a policy of the administration.

Rep. Tina Sablan (Ind-Saipan) questions that policy and urges the administration to reconsider. “Why cut federally funded salaries, disrupt critical federally funded programs, and jeopardize future federal grants, when we absolutely do not have to?” Sablan asked. “Wouldn’t it make more sense to keep that money circulating in the economy, continue to deliver the public services that are fully funded by federal grants, and avoid having to return much-needed federal dollars to the granting agencies?”

The issue was also briefly discussed during the House Committee on Federal and Foreign Affairs Committee meeting Friday at the House of Representatives’ chamber on Capital Hill.

Committee chair Rep. Luis John Castro (R-Saipan) raised concerns on the possible adverse effects the austerity measure would have on federally-funded positions and programs in the long run.

Rep. Joel Camacho (R-Saipan) said at the meeting that, in his discussion with Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, they were informed that, while salaries are not affected for federally funded employees under austerity, it will affect work hours.

Camacho believes that one of the reasons for the implementation of the 16-hour work-hour cut on these employees is work stations, which would be closed during austerity.

“Are we [going to] open our buildings for four to five people when we are trying to implement cost-saving [measures]? I do understand that the grants will be put on jeopardy but we also have to look at the flip side,” Camacho added.

Sablan noted at the meeting that there isn’t a “one-size, fits-all sledgehammer approach” that the CNMI could take in how to preserve these federal dollars and keep them circulating in the economy.

“Also, even for those offices that are partially locally funded, partially federally funded, I know that there is a way we could actually keep those offices open, or one office open, so at least somebody is there who has actually been funded by federal grants,” Sablan said. “And maybe, we don’t have to shut down the entire government.”