THE Senate on Wednesday voted unanimously to adopt a joint resolution that approves a request from Gov. Ralph DLG Torres to reprogram $1.3 million from the general fund for the payment of $500 bonuses to each retiree.
Senate Joint Resolution 22-5 will be transmitted to the House of Representatives which will hold a session on Monday, Dec. 20.
Pursuant to 1 CMC Subsection 7402(d), the governor may request the Legislature for authority to reprogram funds, provided that he submits a request in writing to the presiding officers of the Legislature.
CNMI law states that such a request is subject to approval by joint resolution.
In a statement following Wednesday’s Senate session, Senate President Jude U. Hofschneider said, “The Senate agreed to the importance of expeditiously entertaining the request made by the Governor in support of the retirees of the Commonwealth.”
He added, “The timing of these funds could not be more fitting to spread some joy as we prepare for the upcoming holiday season. It has been four years since the last bonus was distributed to our retirees. The Senate continues to support our retirees and their contribution to the CNMI government and its people.”
Hofschneider said he has reached out to House Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez to request expeditious House action on the joint resolution.
The Senate on Wednesday also passed two bills authored by Rep. Leila Staffler: H.B. 22-53, to further enable recruitment, retention, and appropriate classification and compensation of Medicaid personnel; and H.B. 22-55, to establish a separate license for online sales of alcoholic beverages.
