The Senate version of the budget authorized the appropriation of an amount of $56,315, 718. The President Johnson Toribiong’s budget proposal was $55,809,000.
The Senate however appropriated the sum of $53,709,000, same amount with President’s version.The measure also approved an increase of the president, vice president and ministers salaries but unless there are funds to pay the proposed increases.The proposed increase for the president’s salary is $100,000, $75,000 for vice president and $45,000 for the ministers, according to the Senate version.The Senate version proposed several cuts in the measure.The bill has been transmitted to the House of Delegates for action.The bill also proposed an increase in Executive Branch operations but appropriated a zero amount at the consulate offices on Guam and Saipan and the Finance Ministry office.The Legislative Branch meanwhile increased their proposed budget, from $3,584,700 to 3,727,200. The Senate version also did not appropriate money for the low income household assistance. The president version earmarked $1,500,000. For the 2010 Micro Games the sum of $600,000 is authorized to be appropriated and the sum of $182,150 is hereby appropriated for Fiscal Year 2010 for costs associated with the 2010 Micronesian Games. The entire amount appropriated shall come from local revenues, the bill said.The budget has been formulated in anticipation that effective Oct. 1, 2009, the funding received by Palau from the United States under the Compact of Free Association will cease.By Oct. 1, the republic will only be able to draw down $15 million from the Compact Trust Fund.Toribiong said once the U.S. Congress passes the funding for the Compact extension he will work with OEK to amend the bill or submit a supplemental budget.
