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Senator suggests ‘special license’ for tourists using car rental services
Sen. Jude C. Hofschneider (R-Tinian) is suggesting “special licenses” that the Department of Public Safety-Bureau of Motor Vehicle can issue to tourists availing of car rental services in the CNMI.
Hofschneider
The lawmaker said aside from its educational purposes, the special license can help the DPS raise more funds for its operations.
“Can this be done? I will support this, not just for educational purposes for tourists in the CNMI but also as a way for our police to generate more funds,” Hofschneider said.
The lawmaker heads the Senate Committee on Fiscal Affairs, which is currently holding budget hearings for government agencies.
The committee held a hearing for the DPS on Tuesday.
DPS Commissioner James C. Deleon Guerrero again pleaded to lawmakers to increase his department’s budget, which he, said will allow the DPS to properly carry out its duties.
He specifically cited the “war” on methamphetamine which he said will be “long, dangerous, and expensive” and would require the DPS to have more police officers, and more training.
The DPS has requested a budget of $7.2 million, which is way higher than the administration’s proposal of $4.5 million.
The police chief said “ice” is on the DPS’ top list of priorities, along with preparations for a “booming” tourism industry, and preparations for a soon-to-emerge gaming industry, highlighted by the opening of Saipan’s first casino in Garapan.
Hofschneider, meanwhile said “it was an eye-opener” after hearing the police chief’s recommendations and his report on the current state of the DPS.
“We are trying to get fund sources outside the general appropriations that we can tap into, so that we will be able to come up with a more clear budget for DPS,” he said.
