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Senator belies report that Legislature underfunds CHCC
Notes over $19.7 million in appropriations since fiscal year 2016
A Rota senator disproved a common misconception that the Legislature has not been funding the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp., noting that the corporation has received over $19.7 million since fiscal year 2016.
Citing a Legislative Bureau report, Sen. Teresita Santos (R-Rota) noted during last Friday’s Senate session that CHCC has received a grand total $9.75 million in Casino Gross Revenue Tax allocations since fiscal year 2017 as well as over $10.5 million in additional allocations from various sources.
“…Recent reports that the Legislature has been underfunding CHCC stands to be corrected,” Santos said.
According to documents obtained by Saipan Tribune, CHCC received a grand total of 8 percent in allocations from the Casino Gross Revenue Tax since fiscal year 2017. In total, the CGRT amounted to over $116.25 million that was available for appropriation from fiscal year 2016 through fiscal year 2017. Eight percent amounts to about $9.75 million.
The report also states that CHCC has been receiving funding allocations from the general fund, compact impact reimbursement, the tobacco settlement fund, the exclusive gaming annual licensing fees, and e-gaming activity funding.
Funding received from these sources went to various activities administered by CHCC, such as the inter-island medical referral program, funding for the Community Guidance Center, and the Division of Public Health Services.
The report noted that CHCC received funding amounting to $7.67 million and $2.82 million in fiscal years 2018 and 2017. For fiscal year 2016, CHCC was appropriated $2.92 million from the general fund for subsidies as well as the CGC.
The report, according to Santos, disproves the misconception that the CNMI Legislature has not been allocating funds toward CHCC.
“…Let the record reflect that the Legislature has done its due diligence in allocating a certain amount of funding to CHCC. How CHCC disposes of those funding remains to be seen,” Santos said.
Santos also commended CHCC for promptly submitting its budget proposal for fiscal year 2019. According to her CHCC is requesting an estimated $17 million for its personnel, operations, supplies, equipment, and etc.
