Hocog said more Rota residents will leave the island if lawmakers succeed in enacting the budget bill.
“There are several Rota residents who work for the government on a contractual basis and the administration says if the veto is overridden then all these people will be the first ones to go,” he told Variety after the House session on Friday.
Hocog, Ind.-Rota, said the island’s economy continues to deteriorate.
He said at least 20 government workers on Rota will lose their jobs if the budget bill becomes law.
“Having 20 people being furloughed will be a substantial burden for their families and will result in another exodus from the island,” he added.
If the 20 workers are laid off, they cannot find any job opportunities on Rota, he said.
According to Hocog, there are no businesses that will hire any of them since Rota has only retail store, a night club and some construction businesses.
“If it impacts only myself, then I will support the override, but if it involves the people of Rota then I will not risk their jobs,” he said.
The prices of basic commodities on Rota, he added, are higher than Saipan’s and unemployment on their island will result in severe hardship for families.
“And if these families cannot endure, they will definitely exit the island.”
