But some lawmakers said they will not allow this to happen.
A government lawyer and a senior lawmaker said the governor may sign an executive order so he can exercise emergency powers in case the government cannot function normally.
A recently ratified constitutional amendment requires the enactment of a new and balanced budget before the start of the new fiscal year.
Otherwise, lawmakers cannot collect their salaries and the government shuts down with the exception of critical agencies.
The attorney, who declined to be identified, said the chief executive can exercise emergency powers so that the government “can still do its job to protect the people in times of crisis.”
The senior lawmaker, who also did not want his name mentioned, said a government shutdown is a kind of situation that allows the governor to resort to emergency rule.
But Senate President Paul A. Manglona, Ind.-Rota, in a separate interview said he is confident that the cash-strapped CNMI government will have a budget for the next fiscal year, which starts on Oct. 1.
Manglona said the Senate has giving itself two weeks to pass the budget once the House transmit it to the senators.
He said the House and the Senate will have enough time to “compromise” and agree on a bill acceptable to both.
He also believes that lawmakers can still accommodate changes if there will be more concerns from the administration.
Manglona said they have to be realistic in proposing a budget for each branch of the government.
He knows there will be differences between the Houses and the Senate and that is why, he said, they “really have to work together” to pass the budget.
He noted that this is the first time in the history of the CNMI that the administration and the Legislature are obligated by the Constitution to enact a new budget law.
“That’s good for the people and for the government,” he said.
Rep. Teresita A. Santos, Ind.-Rota said they know the consequence of not having a new budget, so they will make sure they pass a workable and realistic appropriation measure for FY 2011.
During the session yesterday, Speaker Froilan C. Tenorio, speaking in Chamorro, urged his colleagues to recognize the urgency of passing the budget bill.
He said instead of blaming previous leaders for the current problem, current lawmakers should realize that “we are now the ones facing these problems.”
“If we have to cut jobs, then, we should start doing that on Rota and Tinian,” he added.
But Santos said this should not be considered.
In an interview after the session, Santos said job cuts affecting Rota and Tinian only will be rejected by the Senate, which is dominated by the two islands.
The House resumes its session today to again discuss the budget bill.
