THE House of Delegates (HOD) adopted its version of the supplemental bill.
Both Houses have met earlier to tackle the proposed supplemental budget specifically the contentious rider that will allow lawmakers to carry over salary entitlement for those who has not used up 50 sessions days.The Senate has earlier rejected the inclusion of the rider saying it is a move for lawmakers to receive additional compensation.HOD however said the provision is within the law because it is not asking for compensation beyond what is required by the Constitution.Del. Mario Gulibert said in earlier interview that in order to address the issue, the House will introduce a provision for both houses to make up their own rulers regarding the unused session days.The questioned provision stated that each member of the Olbiil Era Kelulau shall receive $1,000 in compensation for each day of an official session that such members attends, up to a maximum of $50,000 per year and the compensation will be retroactive to the effective date of the Charter Initiative.Lawmakers that have not completed the 50 sessions days are entitled to compensation for the unused sessions.The original supplemental budget bill authorizes and appropriates an additional $973,000 for the general operations of the government ending Fiscal Year 2008.The bill also contains a provision which authorizes a continuing budget authority before the Fiscal Year 2008 ends.
