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Kilili to push supplemental package
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Posted on Mar 19 2020
Having already introduced the $100-million NMI Coronavirus Emergency Assistance Act in U.S. Congress in early March, Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) is taking it up a notch to push for a coronavirus supplemental appropriation package that would help the Marianas even further.
Sablan has tagged five key areas that need to be addressed in the Marianas. These include the need for an infusion of funds for government operations in the Marianas, cash payments to laid-off workers, support for industries that underlie tourism in all parts of the U.S., cover-over provisions in any tax credit-based relief, and coronavirus testing.
“The Marianas needs an infusion of funds for government operations,” he said.
According to Sablan, in addition or as a subset to the grant operations funding, there should be funding similar to the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to maintain local education programs.
“This funding avoids the long-term negative effects of students’ disrupted education and puts money in teacher’s pockets,” Sablan added.
The delegate is also pushing for cash payments to workers who will be laid-off in the Marianas.
The U.S. House of Representatives, recently passed the Family First Coronavirus Response Act, which enhances unemployment insurance for those affected by the outbreak, but since there is no unemployment insurance in the Pacific territories, its provisions aiding laid off workers are not effective, according to Sablan.
Further, the act also includes a provision for a cover-over of U.S. Treasury funds to territorial governments for the cost of the tax credit for sick leave paid to self-employed individuals.
Sablan is pushing for cover-over provisions in any tax credit-based relief provided in any coronavirus response legislation. According to the delegate, the territorial governments would otherwise be unable to meet the costs of these credits.
Last, procedures for COVID-19 testing of all congressional staff is being pushed in the supplemental appropriation package,
“It is important for the continuing function of Congress and health of members that procedures be put in place to test staff for the coronavirus,” Sablan added.
