Palacios, Covenant-Saipan, said he will propose to allocate 25 percent of the Saipan Higher Education Financial Assistance funds to NMTI.
He said this will help upgrade the institute and further develop the skills of its students who are expected to replace some of the nonresident workers who may have to leave once their umbrella permits expire this November for once the transition period for the CNMI-only nonimmigrant temporary worker program ends in Dec. 2014.
“NMTI is a big priority,” said Ogumoro Covenant-Saipan, adding that they have to talk with other lawmakers and education officials to find the financial assistance needed by the institute.
During the transition period, NMTI president Anthony Pellegrino said they need to increase the frequency of their classes from two to four every week.
Pellegrino asked the Legislature to help upgrade NMTI so it can continue to produce more skilled and technical persons for the local workforce.
Palacios estimated that the government can only extend financial assistance to NMTI for three years only.
Ogumoro said it has been her concern since day one to ensure that the CNMI will have enough manpower when the nonresident workers leave.
Ogumoro said SHEFA’s policy is good and very comprehensive.
But the former SHEFA board chairwoman said they just cannot force students into taking courses they don’t have any interest in.
Based on the SHEFA report, a great number of is recipients studied education.
“When you are educated then you know you will fare well where ever you are in the world,” the lawmaker said
