From left, Reps. Diego Camacho, Roman Benevente, TJ Manglona, BJ Attao, Joel Camacho, and Vincent Aldan.
Photo by Andrew Roberto
AT the Saipan Chamber of Commerce’s general membership meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 6 at the Kensington Hotel, members of the House of Representatives were invited as panelists to update the SCC on legislative developments.
Present on the panel were Reps. Diego Camacho, Roman Benavente, TJ Manglona, Joel Camacho, BJ Attao, and Vincent Aldan.
During the question-and-answer portion, Chamber President Joe Guerrero asked the representatives for their thoughts on reducing the size of government.
“For many in the business community, we’ve long been asking and considering how to reduce the size of government — not just when times are hard,” Guerrero said. “And if we have extra collections, we should put that into a reserve.”
Guerrero also suggested creating a “private-public commission” to identify and reduce duplicative government services. He cited required occupancy inspections as an example — a separate inspection from fire inspections. Both are government-mandated and come at a cost to businesses. These inspections take about 15 minutes each and were once both handled by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services before being separated. Guerrero said duplicated efforts waste government resources and time, which ultimately leads to increased fees and taxes.
Attao responded that a pre-filed budget includes a proposed cut of “almost 300 government positions.” He added that a commission comprising government and private sector representatives had been discussed with former Gov. Arnold Palacios and continues under the Apatang administration.
“Just last week, we emphasized the need to move forward with this commission so we can collaborate with the private sector on filtering job transfers between the public and private sectors,” Attao said. “Once we finish working with the Marianas Public Land Trust to address the budget shortfall, the ‘rainy day funds’ will help preserve funds to meet the government’s financial obligations. That’s our starting point, and we’ll continue this conversation with Governor Apatang and Lt. Governor Mendiola to fulfill the promises negotiated with former Gov. Palacios.”
Rep. TJ Manglona said he is exploring — but has not yet introduced — legislation to move the business license office from the Office of Taxation and Revenue to the Department of Commerce.
“With the partnership and collaboration of Secretary of Commerce Remy Mafnas, who has been very open to working with us, we aim to streamline business permitting and processes,” he said. “I believe the Department of Commerce should be at the forefront for any business wanting to start up in the CNMI.”
Rep. Diego Camacho highlighted two bills: H.B. 24-12, which would waive penalties and interest on unpaid taxes, and H.B. 24-13, which would change the fee structure for the Registrar of Corporations, resulting in a 25% price reduction.
