Until a balanced budget is passed the only money that can be drawn from the general fund is for certain government services and employees whose services are “essential to the health, safety, and welfare of the people of the commonwealth and to protect against damage to and destruction of property.”
House members disagree on certain provisions of the budget bill, which must also be passed by the Senate, which is dominated by Rota and Tinian.
Among the bill’s controversial provisions are the 16-hour paycut and a $1.5 million increase in the Legislature’s budget.
An administration official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, doesn’t believe that a new budget could be passed by Oct. 1.
Variety learned that some departments have already been preparing for the “worst-case scenario.”
But a government lawyer, who also declined to be identified, said the CNMI Constitution allows the governor to exercise his emergency powers in case of a government shutdown.
Senator Floor Leader Pete P. Reyes, R-Saipan, vowed that once the House passes the budget, the Senate will review it.
“We will make sure that the FY 2011 budget is reasonable and livable before we pass it,” Reyes said.
In a separate interview, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Ramon S. Basa said the substitute budget bill, or H.B. 17-96, includes a reduction of government work hours per pay period from 80 to 64 “in order for us to have a balanced budget.”
Basa, Covenant-Saipan, said anything can still happen during today’s session as House members are free to propose amendments.
Vice Speaker Felicidad T. Ogumoro, Covenant-Saipan, said they will try to “act” on the budget bill today.
