Joel Camacho
THE Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation on Wednesday passed three spending measures appropriating gambling revenues and developers’ infrastructure tax funds for projects and programs in the Third Senatorial District, which covers Saipan and the Northern Islands.
All 17 SNILD members present voted in favor of House Local Bill 24-15, H.L.B. 24-18, and H.L.B. 24-19.
Authored by Rep. Joel Camacho, H.L.B. 24-15 appropriates a total of $230,000 in annual amusement machine fee collections as follows:
• $150,000 to support the operations of the Pacific Behavior Center for healthcare and mental health services that are equally available to the entire community.
• $5,000 to support the operations of the Marianas Business Network, which provides services that support and promote small businesses and economic opportunities in the CNMI.
• $40,000 for the operations of the Saipan Humane Society.
• $35,000 for the operations of the Northern Marianas Protection & Advocacy Systems Inc.
Authored by Rep. Blas Jonathan Attao, H.L.B. 24-18 appropriates $75,000 in electronic gaming license fee collections for Legislative Bureau expenses related to:
• The 2025 Association of Pacific Island Legislatures 65th Board of Directors Meeting on Saipan
• The 2025 APIL 42nd General Assembly Meeting on Saipan
• The 3rd General Assembly of the Mariana Islands Legislature Association Meeting on Saipan
Authored by Rep. Roman C. Benavente and co-sponsored by his fellow Precinct 1 House members —Vice Speaker Vincent Diego F. Camacho, Minority Leader Roy Ada, Rep. Vincent “Kobre” Aldan, Rep. Joseph A. Flores, and Rep. Raymond U. Palacios — H.L.B. 24-19 appropriates $260,670 in developers’ infrastructure tax for the paving of Halle Place Road in Precinct 1.
All three local bills are now on their way to the desk of Gov. Arnold I. Palacios.
