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Summit mapping NMI response to: ‘Where do we go from here’
With the CNMI Fiscal Response Summit culminating tomorrow, it is hoped that the planned policies that will stem from it—with all three branches of government uniting with the private sector—can correct the direction of the Commonwealth’s finances.
According to Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, the leaders in the summit will be doing the “necessary but difficult” decision to do this.
“It’s been a long last couple of months for us, and I know it’s been hard for everyone. This virus has taken a toll on our islands, both physically with our health, economically with our budget shortfall, and emotionally with our lives,” he said. “I will continue to work with everyone from all three branches of government, majority and minority, public and private sectors on solutions and to ensure that federal assistance gets to our people as soon as possible.”
The summit’s ultimate goal is to have a plan for the next three years that would address issues like revenue shortfalls, bloated government, utility costs, public health, retirees, medical referrals, among others.
Torres, as an example, stated that they are pushing to put more employees on federally-funded programs, adding that unless it’s for an urgent matter, or an essential position, no hiring will be made using local funds, and that such practice should be across the board.
“We need to have this holistic approach and have a strong ultimate plan for the next two to three years. …I’m hopeful that at the end of this economic summit, both sides would come into a fruitful discussion on what we all need to be part of,” he said. “We’re here to address where we are today, where we’re at before, but more importantly, where do we go from here.”
Tomorrow afternoon, April 28, the plenary session will reconvene at 1:30pm to hear the consolidated results of the summit working groups, as well as closing remarks from the principals.
