Sen. Jovita M. Taimanao, Ind.-Rota, heads the Senate team whose other members are Senate Floor Leader Pete P. Reyes, R-Saipan, Sen. Francisco Q. Cruz, R-Tinian, and Sen. Juan M. Ayuyu, Ind.-Rota.
The House conferees are acting Speaker Felicidad T. Ogumuro, Covenant-Saipan; House Ways & Means Chairman Ramon S. Basa, Covenant-Saipan; Rep. Teresita A. Santos, Ind.-Rota; Rep. Trenton B. Conner, R-Tinian.
The House of Representatives earlier rejected the Senate version of the budget bill, H.B. 17-45, which seeks to implement three unpaid legal holidays this current fiscal year 2010 and raise taxes.
The bicameral conference committee will attempt to draft a new bill acceptable to both legislative houses.
The administration’s proposed budget for FY 2010 amounts to $137 million. The government currently operates under the continuing budget resolution of $148 million.
In fiscal year 2011 which starts on Oct. 1, 2010, the proposed budget is only $132 million and is subject to the implementation of certain austerity measures.
The Department of Finance’s projected available resources for the government in FY 2011 is $149.371 million.
After debts and other prorated government financial obligations are deducted, the government will be left with $132.565 million to spend.
A constitutional amendment ratified in the last general elections mandate the CNMI government to enact a new budget for each fiscal year or its operations will shut down.
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