In an interview, Sablan said while pushing for cost-cutting measures, the Fitial administration also hired at least 200 people in the last 12 months.
Aside from the offices of the governor and mayors, Sablan said the Departments of Public Lands, Community and Cultural Affairs, Lands and Natural Resources, and Public Works are the offices that continue to hire new employees.
Sablan, Ind.-Saipan, said this hiring spree is a symptom of the “fiscal irresponsibility” that happens every election year.
The number of people being hired while there is still no new budget should be “a cause for alarm” Sablan said.
For DPL alone, Sablan said three former lawmakers have been hired.
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial earlier vetoed the fiscal year 2009 budget bill, saying that the government’s revenue projection had to be reduced.
Lawmakers then passed a new bill to reflect the new figure, but the governor said he will again veto the measure.
He is expected to transmit his veto message to lawmakers today.
According to Sablan, “A legislative override is critically needed if the governor does veto the budget. The governor’s push for pay cuts and shortened work weeks rings hollow as long as he continues to hire employees and overspend beyond our means. There is absolutely no excuse for such fiscal irresponsibility, and the lack of a budget during this crisis is completely unacceptable.”
