In an interview following a meeting with members of the House Committee on Commerce and Tourism yesterday, Schrack said the administration was able to get cash collections for payroll.
He admits that his first few weeks as department head have been “stressful” as he makes sure that there are enough funds for payroll and the Commonwealth Utilities Corp.’s fuel purchases.
In a separate interview, House Ways and Means Chairman Ramon S. Basa, Covenant-Saipan, said Finance expects up to $11 million in cash collections by the end of July.
The government needs $5.13 million for each payroll.
Some government employees said they were relieved to hear about the “good news” from Finance.
One of them said he really thought they would not get paid this Friday.
Last week, the Marianas Public Lands Trust transmitted $4 million to the general funds.
But this money, according to Press Secretary Angel Demapan, is not supposed to be used for payroll.
It will be appropriated specifically to address CUC’s problems.
