THE Saipan Humane Society is urging the Senate and the House of Representatives to override Gov. Arnold I. Palacios’ line-item veto of the $40,000 funding proposed for the non-profit organization in Saipan Local Law 24-2, which he signed last month.
In her separate letters to the Legislature’s presiding officers, SHS Executive Director Guadalupe T. Attao said, “We are hopeful that the Legislature will consider overriding this veto in recognition of the wide-reaching public benefits our services bring to the people of the CNMI.”
She thanked lawmakers for their continued support of their mission to provide accessible, compassionate and community-centered veterinary care throughout the CNMI.
In his transmittal letter to the Legislature, the governor said he disapproved the $40,000 funding proposal for the Saipan Humane Society, the $5,000 for the Marianas Business Network, and the $35,000 for the Northern Marianas Protection & Advocacy Systems, Inc., because they did not indicate the purpose for which the funds would be spent.
Palacios said because of this “pattern of insufficient explanation of the public purpose for funding these private entities,” the attorney general recommended vetoing the proposals.
But Attao said the proposed funding “directly supports services that benefit the average taxpayers and the broader community.”
She said for the many community members who consider pets part of their family, Saipan Humane Society provides a supportive and caring service that respects and honors that bond.
Attao said, “These are not just animal welfare initiatives — they are community benefits that create [a] safer, healthier and more beautiful community.”
According to the CNMI Constitution, if two-thirds of the members in each legislative house vote to pass a vetoed bill, item, section, or part upon reconsideration, it shall become law.
The Senate has nine members while the House of Representatives has 20.
