AS the political season begins to heat up, groups are starting to divide, and potential candidates for the House, Senate, and Washington Delegate are being discussed. Cabinet members are working hard to determine their positions, and fundraising plans are being put into motion. However, amidst the excitement, we must keep our focus on what truly matters: the priorities, issues, and solutions that will improve life for our residents.
With the upcoming election, it’s crucial to ask the important question: What are you doing to resolve the pressing issues facing the Commonwealth?
With that in mind, I have a few recommendations to address the challenges that many of our residents are facing, particularly the high cost of living:
1) Expand Direct Financial Assistance
– Continue to increase or introduce tax credits (e.g., earned income tax credit, child tax credit).
– Offer emergency relief funds for rent, utilities, and food assistance.
– Raise the minimum wage or introduce targeted wage subsidies. For comparison, states like Guam ($9.25), California ($16.50), Hawaii ($14), New Mexico ($12), Washington D.C. ($17.50), Washington ($16.66), and Nevada ($12) have made adjustments to their minimum wages. While the CNMI Freelancers currently ask for $10 per hour for certain sectors (construction, housekeeping, and general maintenance), it’s time to reevaluate if this is enough to meet the needs of our workers.
2) Control Housing Costs
– Implement rent control measures and expand rental assistance programs.
– Increase affordable housing developments through builder incentives.
– Provide mortgage assistance to homeowners.
3) Lower Utility and Transportation Costs
– Subsidize utility bills for low-income households.
– Invest more in public transportation and offer discounted fares.
– Support renewable energy initiatives to reduce long-term energy costs.
4) Address Food Insecurity
– Expand SNAP benefits and local food bank programs.
– Support community gardens and farmers’ markets through subsidies.
– Provide free school meals for students to reduce food insecurity.
5) Reduce Healthcare Costs
– Expand Medicaid or provide state-funded health insurance options.
– Regulate prescription drug prices to make medications more affordable.
– Increase funding for mental health services and preventive care programs.
6) Improve Workforce Development
– Offer free or low-cost job training programs to increase skills and employability.
– Increase funding for trade schools and apprenticeships.
– Provide grants and support for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
7) Strengthen Consumer Protection
– Crack down on predatory lending and price gouging.
– Regulate utility and insurance rate hikes to protect residents.
– Offer financial literacy programs to help residents better manage their expenses.
In conclusion, it’s time to shift our focus toward actionable solutions. Remember, if residents cut back on spending due to uncertainty, government revenue will decrease, forcing the government to make cuts. Businesses will suffer, potentially having to close or lay off staff, which would place additional burdens on programs like SNAP and could even drive residents to leave the Commonwealth. Moreover, as more people turn to solar or alternative energy sources — such as solar-powered air conditioners and outdoor lights — CUC will see a reduction in revenue, forcing them to increase fuel and usage fees. Overall, this situation will become a domino effect.
By providing programs that directly address the high cost of living, we can make a tangible impact on the lives of our residents. Let’s work together to build a stronger, more sustainable future for the Commonwealth.
Sincerely,
FRANK MANGLONA
Dandan, Saipan
