PSS MPLT loan dependent on certification from CNMI govt

The Public School System’s loan of $5 million that they applied for with the Marianas Public Land Trust requires certification from the Department of Finance guaranteeing the budget for PSS in the next fiscal year.

According to Board of Education chair Janice Tenorio, PSS’ MPLT loan requires PSS to provide either a certification from the Department of Finance that PSS’ budget is guaranteed for the next fiscal year, a legislation pledging PSS’ budget for next fiscal year as payment for the loan, or an award letter from the U.S. Department of Education of the over $12 million from the CARES Act.

Tenorio said the fastest way to get the loan approved and for PSS to get the money is through the certification from the central government.

“I’ve met with the Senate president and the House speaker has also concurred that this needs legislation in regards to borrowing from MPLT. The other is to read through a compliance CARES Act award letter whether we can collateral, or guarantee, or pledge this loan toward the payment of the $5 million. The other option is to go and seek approval, a certified letter, from the Department of Finance to certify that the funds forth coming for the next fiscal year will be guaranteed,” she said.

Tenorio said the MPLT loan package has already been submitted to MPLT; however, they are waiting for BOE and PSS’ decision regarding which route they will decide to take.

Tenorio urged her colleagues to defer the current lawsuit against the central government and negotiate for a certification from the Department of Finance since it is the fastest route to get the loan approved and get PSS personnel paid.

“[Let’s] sit with the governor in regards to what the conditions are. We would also need their help in certifying us for the next fiscal year budget to pledge toward the loan so we can get it now to pay. It’s been four weeks that PSS families have not received their paychecks,” she added.

Tenorio argued that PSS cannot depend on the money from the CARES Act to act as payment for the loan since it is still not guaranteed.

“It’s all assumptions. We don’t have a firm date. We don’t have an award letter. Its only through the words and promises from people. With that being said, if we can sit down, let’s set a time and date to meet with the Gov. Ralph DLG Torres and Secretary of Finance David Atalig,” she said.

BOE vice chair Herman Atalig echoed Tenorio’s suggestion, stating that PSS employees need immediate relief.

“Let us focus on our mission, to save our employees from pain and suffering. We need to get them immediate relief. Let us seek out the MPLT loan so that our people can get that relief this week. We cannot wait any longer. If we all agree on those certain conditions, we could make this thing happen. This can only happen if we work with the executive and legislative branches. Let’s at least defer the lawsuit until our government can stand on their feet,” he said.