Benavente, R-Saipan, said it is equally important to hear from the private sector before adopting public policies, particularly on the budget issue, because government’s revenues come from businesses.
He said the public sector employees who are constantly under threat of having their work hours reduced to keep up with the shrinking government budget should also be consulted.
“We can’t just cut $20 million and not jeopardize public service,” he said.
The government’s projected revenues this fiscal year 2010, which ends on Sept. 30, 2010, has plunged to $137.35 from $150.5 million.
The latest figure is over $11 million less than the government’s current appropriations of $148 million under the continuing budget resolution of FY 2009.
Figures for FY 2011, which starts on Oct. 1, 2010, may be worse if nothing is done to improve the local tourism industry, the backbone of the islands’ struggling economy.
House Republican lawmakers rallied behind Benavente’s call.
Some said the government should re-examine its personnel to determine how many of the current positions can be eliminated.
Calls were also made to explore the possibility of transferring those who would be displaced to the private sector and tap grants to prepare them for the transition.
Department of Labor Deputy Secretary Jacinta M. Kaipat believes there are enough jobs in the private sector to accommodate all interested U.S. jobseekers and their immediate relatives.
The CNMI government, which pays more than the private sector, remains the main employer of local residents.
