Variety learned yesterday that Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos met with some senators yesterday in an attempt to break the House-Senate deadlock.
A former lawmaker said the Legislature’s failure to pass a balanced budget gave Gov. Benigno R. Fitial “a free hand to spend as he pleases.”
By virtue of his emergency declaration, the governor is now assuming all the powers of all three branches of government, said the former lawmaker, who declined to be identified.
“In essence, as long as the government operates in ‘shutdown’ mode, Fitial has been made king,” the former lawmaker added.
Besides failing to pass a new budget, the Legislature also failed to define essential services and the limit that the governor may spend during a shutdown, the former lawmaker said.
“The shutdown is not making the governor look bad. Instead it is severely eroding the public’s opinion of the Legislature,” the former lawmaker added.
The former lawmaker also believes that the administration is not providing current, clear and accurate data necessary for a sound and balanced budget.
According to Variety sources, the Senate is now willing to approve $400,000 for the leadership account if the House agrees to an eight-hour cut per pay period even for 90 days only.
The Senate also wants a provision included to monitor revenues and costs.
The senators believe that if adjustments will be made, there should be accurate data to make it possible.
