THE Legislative Bureau is requesting a fiscal year 2024 budget of $4.17 million, LB Director Perry John Tenorio told the Palacios administration.
In a budget proposal he submitted to Special Assistant for Management and Budget Vicky Villagomez, Tenorio said the bureau will need $2 million for personnel, $1.922 million for operations, $180,000 for utilities, and $49,638 for the Youth Congress.
The FY 2023 budget measure allots $2.4 million for the Legislative Bureau. Of this amount, $2 million is for personnel.
The LB’s personnel include attorneys, clerks, legislative assistants, and administrative personnel, all of whom “play a vital role in the effective function of the Legislature,” Tenorio said. “These employees [play] an indispensable role by supporting lawmakers, facilitating the legislative process, and promoting good governance.”
The LB staff’s work is essential to the functioning of the Legislature, Tenorio said.
“Without sufficient funding, the bureau may be unable to attract and retain qualified staff, which can hinder the legislative process. By investing in the bureau’s staff, lawmakers will have the support they need to carry out their duties effectively and serve the people,” he added.
He said proper building maintenance and repairs are also “critical to preserving the integrity, safety and functionality of the facility. As a building ages, the need for repairs and maintenance only grows. While constructing a new facility would be an ideal solution, limited funding makes this impossible at this time,” Tenorio said.
The request of $100,000 for repair and maintenance is necessary to ensure the continued functionality and longevity of the building, he added.
Tenorio also said that “it is crucial to allocate sufficient funds for utilities to ensure that the building remains comfortable and healthy for all the occupants throughout the year.”
The legislative building’s estimated utility cost is $180,000, he added.
In addition, he said the LB wants to allot $1.4 million for the legislative building’s “continued maintenance to ensure a safe working environment for members and staff. Immediate needs include the completion of the standby generator and a new, efficient HVAC system
