Stimulus Package Act even as their counterparts on Guam are already cashing their checks.
The U.S. Department of Treasury notified the CNMI government that it was entitled to $16.1 million worth of federal rebates.
Department of Finance Secretary Eloy Inos said the money will be distributed within this month.
But no checks have yet to be released.
Variety has received several calls from taxpayers who complained they were not given clear answers about the issue.
Others said they have contacted the U.S. Internal Revenue Service’s hotline but received no new information.
Even acting Governor Timothy P. Villagomez was not ready to give an answer yesterday.
“The best person to talk to is (Finance Secretary) Inos,” he said. “I haven’t had the chance to talk with the secretary of finance yet.”
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial left over the weekend for California in time for the May 25 graduation of his daughter Christine.
Villagomez, who will remain the acting governor until Fitial’s expected return before the end of May, is asking taxpayers to be patient.
“We expect the checks to be out as soon as soon all of the kinks have been (addressed). We don’t anticipate holding the checks back. We anticipate giving them out because this is the money that we’re all looking forward to,” he said.
Under the $152 billion Economic Stimulus Package Act of 2008, an eligible taxpayer is entitled to a rebate of up to $600 while married couples will get $1,200 plus additional amounts for each qualifying child.
