Ayuyu, who chairs the Rota legislative delegation, told reporters that the governor asked them to be “realistic” and to consider the “hardship” of the CNMI people.
The Senate is dominated by lawmakers from Rota and Tinian, both of which have casinos that are struggling.
The governor, Ayuyu said, informed them about his decision to cut the revenue projection for the current fiscal year by $10 million.
The senator admitted that it would be hard for the Legislature to further trim the government’s spending levels.
He said the governor urged them “to be realistic about the casino issue on Saipan.”
“He said he hopes that members of the Legislature can really think about it and look into that revenue resource,” Ayuyu said.
Anything that could enhance resources for government operation must be considered by the Legislature, he added.
The Rota senator said he cannot speak for the other members of the Senate but at this time, “nobody in the Senate is saying they are opposing it,” referring to the Saipan casino proposal.
He said they will still review it.
Ayuyu said he will also consult with Rota’s officials, including its casino commission and municipal leaders.
According to the senator, he “feels” the hardship of the entire commonwealth.
“I understand that the governor has to be realistic at this time and try to look into revenue enhancement to meet the needs of our people. We will take that seriously and I hope that others will also consider the request of the governor,” he said.
He wants the House and Senate to meet and discuss the Saipan casino bill before they act on it.
“I know the casinos on Tinian and Rota are not doing well at this time so I want to know how much really the Saipan casino can bring in for the entire commonwealth,” he said.
Variety learned that the House Ways and Means Committee met yesterday afternoon to draft a new version of the Saipan casino bill which is expected to be introduced this week.
