The NMC board of regents unanimously passed a resolution against H.B. 17-93 introduced by Rep. Stanley T. Torres, Ind.-Saipan.
The bill, which is now on the governor’s desk, calls for an “improved financial oversight” of NMC.
It states that “although NMC must submit to the governor and Legislature both an annual financial report of the college trust fund and an annual NMC financial report within 90 days of the end of the fiscal year, the college only submits an annual ‘report of accomplishment,’ which for the 2003 fiscal year had just a two-page list of appropriations, and which for 2004 fiscal year and 2005 fiscal year contained only a one-page, pie-chart that had no financial details at all.”
Torres said NMC has been repeatedly requested to submit its overdue annual fiscal report to the House but to no avail.
NMC Board Chairman Juan T. Lizama said they want to see the college maintain its autonomy.
NMC interim President Lorraine T. Cabrera said she told lawmakers that there is no need for the bill because the college is more than willing to provide information lawmakers are asking.
“They don’t need to come up with a law to force us to do it,” she added.
Regent Ellaine Hocog-Orilla said they should tell lawmakers how the bill will affect NMC’s accreditation.
Regent Maria T. Peter, a former House member, said Torres “made it very clear what was the [bill’s] intent and he said it was meant for the previous administration,” referring to former NMC President Carmen Fernandez who was fired by the regents last year.
Regent Andrew Orsini said he does not support the bill.
“So be it if I’M removed as a board member but I think my decision is to do what is best of the college,” he added.
Regent William S. Torres, another former House member, said they have to meet with lawmakers and discuss the Legislature’s concerns.
“This will not stop,” he added. “We should record all our opposition to this issue to preserve the autonomy of the college.”
