By Emmanuel T. Erediano
emmanuel@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
GOVERNOR David M. Apatang on Tuesday afternoon signed the revised fiscal year 2026 spending plan appropriating $138.9 million for government operations and personnel, with line-item vetoes.
Authored by House Ways and Means Committee chair Rep. John Paul Sablan, House Bill 24-80 — also a product of bicameral committee deliberations — is now Public Law 24-20.
The governor likewise signed House Bill 24-75, now Public Law 24-19, which appropriates $3.7 million in fiscal year 2025 government lapsed funds for the Group Health and Life Insurance program and the Public School System. Of the lapsed funds, $2.8 million is allocated to GHLI, while PSS will receive $936,896.
In his transmittal letter to House Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez and Senate President Karl King-Nabors, the governor commended the Legislature for its diligent efforts in timely passing the appropriation bill to prevent the risk of terminating government employees’ insurance coverage. The CNMI government’s deadline to renew its insurance coverage with Aetna International Inc. is Dec. 31, 2025.
The revised budget allots $4.3 million for GHLI, $36.2 million for the Public School System, and $5.3 million for payment of 25% of CNMI retirees’ pensions.
The governor disapproved provisions that he said “may conflict with constitutional requirements, established fiscal management laws, or practical realities of implementation.” The vetoed items include the $4.4 million general fund prospective adjustment without an identified revenue source; a duplicative reporting requirement under the Planning and Budgeting Act; a hiring restriction that violates the separation of powers; retroactive salary increases; a mandate to identify outside funding sources and report to the Legislature; and the $4.8 million Department of Public Lands budget, which “does not match the revenue identified in the budget law.”
In conclusion, the governor said the line-item vetoes “are a necessary step toward building a stronger, more resilient future for our Commonwealth. By upholding constitutional principles, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and protecting the separation of powers, we lay the foundation for lasting stability and progress.”
The governor added that his commitment to working hand in hand with the Legislature is unwavering. Together, he said, “we have an opportunity to turn these challenges into solutions that strengthen our financial health and improve the effectiveness of government.”
“Let us move forward with purpose and unity to create a government that is not only accountable, but visionary — one that delivers for our people today and for generations to come,” he added.
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
