BJ Attao
THE Civil Service Commission is “eagerly anticipating potential support through indirect cost reimbursements.”
In a statement on Thursday, CSC said the reimbursements will “address lingering obligations and secure the services of an administrative hearing officer.”
Rep. Blas Jonathan Attao has introduced House Bill 23-56, which proposes to tap 60% of the indirect cost revenue or reimbursement to address the CNMI government’s financial deficit. The bill is now in the Senate.
Indirect cost reimbursements are grant monies the CNMI receives from the federal government to cover the local funds that the CNMI government initially spent for federally funded projects.
CSC stated that despite a backlog of appeal cases, it “remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding due process for civil servants [and] ensuring [that they] receive the justice and due process they rightfully deserve.”
CSC calls for “a proactive approach from our government to prevent delays in civil servants receiving due process.”
CSC’s chairman, Raymond M. Muna, said, “We understand the current financial difficulties facing our government. Unfortunately, our civil servants feel the impact with reduced hours and the absence of within-grade increases. And now, their right to due process in appeals is currently being overlooked. We firmly advocate for a proactive approach, emphasizing the critical need to prioritize due process for our civil servants. To achieve this, securing funds for an administrative hearing officer is essential.”
Muna added, “We express gratitude to Rep. Blas Jonathan ‘BJ’ Attao for introducing House Bill 23-56, and to the Office of Grants Management for recommending a portion of indirect cost reimbursements. Their support underscores a shared commitment to addressing challenges faced by the Commission. We look forward to sustained collaboration with government stakeholders to address these pressing issues and safeguard the rights of civil servants.”
