Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos listed 12 problematic provisions in Public Law 17-55 or the general appropriation measure which he signed on Sept. 26 in his capacity as acting governor to avoid a partial government shutdown.
In an interview yesterday, Taimanao, Ind.-Rota, said the provisions cited by Inos can still be addressed as the new fiscal year progresses.
One major issue that the Senate is ready to resolve, is the funding taken away from the Marianas Visitors Authority’s, the she added.
The Senate is now working on its minor amendments to House Bill 17-179, she said. The proposed changes pertain to the bill’s “technical language.”
H.B. 17-179 will impose a $15 fee on carriers for every passenger entering the CNMI. This money will be used to promote the CNMI in its tourist markets.
Taimanao said as soon as the amendments are drafted, the Senate will pass H.B. 17-179, which will then return to the House of Representatives.
Taimanao said the Senate will also work with the House to address the other problematic provisions including the Office of the Public Auditor’s fee, the hiring restrictions, the increased funding for the Legislature and the Rota and Tinian municipal governments.
Asked if he shares Inos’ concerns regarding the budget, Gov. Benigno R. Fitial, said: “We do.”
He added, “Don’t ask me questions that will encourage a friction or any rift between me and my lt. governor, okay? Because you won’t get any answer.”
