By Moneth G. Deposa
Variety News Staff

THE Ninth CNMI Youth Congress has unanimously approved a bill that will remove the members’ $25 honorarium.
Youth Congress Bill 9-06, introduced by Youth Sen. Anita B. Hofschneider, was passed by a 15-0 vote on Saturday.
Bills passed by the Youth Congress are transmitted to the Legislature as proposed measures.
Youth Congress Speaker Matthew Deleon Guerrero said their move “is a good step toward improving what we stand for.”
The Youth Congress has 24 members each of whom are entitled to receive $25 per session, including per diem.
The CNMI government has not been able to pay the money due to youth senators since the 8th Youth Congress.
“Projected savings for 24 current members are between $3,600 to $4,200 for one organizational, three regular and three special sessions. The amount excluded the savings from the 8th Youth Congress’ 23 members who have yet to be paid by the government,” the youth speaker told Variety.
According to the bill’s author, youth senators will still receive a great educational experience and exposure to legislative work even without the honorarium.
“I introduced the bill because I recognize that the CNMI government is in great financial need,” she said. “With problems in schools, medical referrals and austerity holidays, even the Youth Congress has to be part of the solution and so we need to take personal responsibility and make this personal sacrifice.”
Hofschneider, a student at Marianas Baptist Academy, said since the Youth Congress has not been paid, “that amount will stay with the government.”
She added that her proposal will “lessen the risk of the Youth Congress being terminated as an austerity measure.”
Rep. Absalon Waki, who was present during the Youth Congress session, commended the youth senators.
“They want to give it up to help save the (Youth Congress) program and that’s one thing I believe our fellow lawmakers should look into,” said Waki, Covenant-Saipan. “If our senators and congressmen have not yet deducted 10 percent from their salaries these youth senators will show them how to do it by setting an example,” Waki said.
If the Legislature passes the Youth Congress measure, youth senators from Rota and Tinian will continue to be provided air transportation, per diem and other related travel expenses at established commonwealth government rates.