On the agenda are the Senate version of House Bill 17-45 or the Pay Reduction Act of 2010 which junked the one hour per day work reduction provision in favor of three unpaid legal holidays and tax increases; and the pre-filed House Bill 17-65 which mirrors the original version of H.B. 17-45.
If the measure is passed, the administration projects to save more than $4 million in personnel expenses.
The Public School System, which relies on federal grants for its programs, is seeking exemption. Otherwise it may lose $16 million in federal grants and may also return the funds it has already received.
The House is also expected to discuss three Senate legislative initiatives to reduce the constitutionally protected salaries of the governor, the lt. governor, the lawmakers, justices and judges during periods of austerity.
A legislative initiative needs a three-fourth vote of both houses of the Legislature before it can be placed on the ballot in the next CNMI general elections which are scheduled for 2012.
It does not need the concurrence of the governor.
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