Since 2005, I have been raising the same concern to then-Commerce Secretary James Santos and then-NAP Administrator Walter Macaranas.
Region IX out of San Francisco hinted that the CNMI should conduct a CPI study for Rota and Tinian.
These concerns were raised by the clients of the Manamko’ Center from both islands. They have been complaining since 2005. They pointed out that a family of five on Saipan with $500 worth of food stamps when shopping will come out of the store with at least five shopping bags, unlike on Rota or Tinian where the same amount can purchase merchandise that can fill three shopping bags only.
I commend the efforts of the Department of Commerce and I hope that they will include Tinian in this study.
According to Region IX, the CNMI has been receiving its federal grants such as food stamps, and for services and programs of the Office on Aging, DLNR, DPW, etc. under one bulk of funds.
The funds are then distributed to each respective island based on the size of the programs. The Consumer Price Index study will definitely help our people and the programs and services being funded by Uncle Sam.
I encourage all program managers applying for a federal grant to emphasize that the CNMI is divided into three main islands; that the cost of living for each island is not the same; and the price of gasoline on each island is not the same. Our people on Rota and Tinian are being ignored regarding these issues.
FYI, even the federal government recognizes that the cost of living allowance is way too high here in the CNMI.
Why do you think that federal employees get additional 25 percent COLA on top of their good paying salaries? Yet the income bracket for food stamp recipients (eligibility) remains the same for over 25 years. It is not the federal government’s job to come up with a plan for the CNMI government to address these concerns. I encourage our department heads to work together and provide the feds with the necessary update so that our people can avail of all the services and programs that are available to them.
REP. JOSEPH M. PALACIOS
17th CNMI Legislature
