GOVERNOR Ralph DLG Torres on Tuesday vetoed House Bill 22-80 which would allow the CNMI to join the Psychology Inter-jurisdictional Compact or PSYPACT to improve and expand access to mental health care in the Commonwealth.
The governor vetoed the bill before he left the island to witness the resumption of United Airlines’ Japan-Saipan flight service.
In his veto message, the governor said although he supports the bill’s intent, “the authors of the bill did not include any information detailing what the estimated annual costs will be to administer PSYPACT nor any funding support via appropriation to support this annual financial commitment for the Commonwealth.”
He added, “I must respectfully exercise my constitutional authority to veto this bill. I ask the Legislature to ensure that accountability exists before financial commitments are made on behalf of the Commonwealth by way of legislative action.”
Rep. Tina Sablan, the Democratic Party’s candidate for governor, introduced the bill.
