Variety tried but was not able to interview Sen. Jovita M. Taimanao whose office was already closed yesterday afternoon.
Taimanao, Ind.-Rota, chairs the committee.
Senate Vice President Jude U. Hofschneider, R-Tinian, who was still in his office at around 4 p.m. said part of the committee’s discussion will be the required legislative concurrence.
He said they will have to raise some questions about the governor’s proposed budget cuts, specifically those that affect the Legislature.
Asked if the governor’s $10.5 million cut alarms the Senate, Hofschneider said, “Of course. And we want to find out really what are the true numbers.”
Due to the continuous decline in the government’s financial resources, the Fitial administration said it has to trim the FY 2011 revenue projections from $132.5 million to $122 million.
The Legislature’s $5.6 million set by the current budget, or Public Law 17-21, will be reduced by $547,231. Its personnel cost of $2.6 million will be cut by $261,601 and its “all others” budget of $2.9 million will be reduced by $285,631.
“We know for the fact the legislative branch has been living within its means,” Hofschneider said.
Speaker Eli D. Cabrera, R-Saipan, has already pre-filed House Joint Resolution 17-33, concurring with the governor’s budget cut.
Asked if the Senate will concur, too, Hofschneider said they still will have to see on Monday.
