Rep. Justo S. Quitugua, D-Saipan, said House Bill 16-194 aims to help MTI by amending a law that allows educational institutions to benefit from the education tax credit program.
Under this program, those who make donations of up to $5,000 to these institutions will see a reduction in the amount of taxes they have to pay the government.
MTI is envisioned to train residents in vocational and short-term technical courses such as carpentry, masonry, painting, plumbing, electrical, among other courses.
Quitugua said the institute will be very useful to local residents, and should be given assistance to pursue its goals.
“With limited resources, the Marianas Trade Institute cannot expand its programs and accommodate the many students eager to participate in such training,” Quitugua’s bill stated.
“The purpose of this legislation is to include the Marianas Trade Institute in the definition of a qualified education institution pursuant to 4 CMC § 1205 so that the institution may qualify for education tax credits,” he added.
Currently, all public and private schools, Northern Marianas College, the Commonwealth Museum of History and Culture, and the Northern Mariana Islands Council for the Humanities are entitled to receive education tax credits.
