Gov. David M. Apatang, right, meets with senators on Monday morning.
Contributed photo
THE Senate on Monday unanimously passed House Bill 24-50, authorizing the CNMI government to borrow $29 million from the Marianas Public Land Trust to pay 75% of the retirees’ pensions and free up general revenue funds for the Public School System and other agencies.
All eight senators present voted in favor of H.B. 24-50, which now goes to the governor’s desk. Sen. Celina R. Babauta was excused.
Prior to the Senate session, Gov. David M. Apatang met with the Senate leadership in his conference room. Present were Senate President Karl King-Nabors, Senate Vice President Corina Magofna, Senate Floor Leader Donald Manglona, Sens. Jude U. Hofschneider, Paul A. Manglona, Manny Gregory T. Castro, Frank Q. Cruz, and Ronnie Calvo.
Sen. Babauta, the lone member of the minority bloc, was not present.
During the meeting, Apatang emphasized that his administration is trying to avoid austerity measures, stressing the need to support PSS students and CNMI retirees.
Prior to the roll call vote, King-Nabors said, “It is very clear, this is our last parachute. This decision is not taken lightly.” He added that while he was concerned about the amount of the proposed debt, he was also aware of the pressing need to adequately fund PSS, retirees, and other essential government services.
“This is what we signed up to do,” he said, referring to the difficult decisions lawmakers must make. “We are the Senate, and we are mandated to ensure that we look after all the people of the CNMI.”
Magofna said she wants the public to understand that by approving the $29 million MPLT loan, “we are exhausting the only resources we have,” referring to public land income. She noted that if a natural disaster hits the CNMI in the future, it “would leave us in a really bad situation,” and expressed hope that the Legislature would take proactive measures.
“We are taking a lot of risk by exhausting the only resources that we have,” she added.
Hofschneider said, “This is what we are elected for: to make difficult decisions.” He added, “But the work doesn’t stop here,” and expressed hope that the House will also pass legislation aimed at economic recovery.
