Saipan Council debates budget amendment for casino commissioners' back pay
February 14, 2025 | Senate, Northern Mariana Legislative Sessions, Northern Mariana Islands
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The Senate of the Northern Mariana Islands convened on February 14, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. to discuss significant amendments to the proposed budget, particularly concerning the allocation of funds for former casino commissioners. The session began with inquiries regarding the legality and implications of using general funds to cover back pay for these commissioners, which some members argued was not an obligation of the central government.
A key point of contention arose over whether this allocation constituted revenue diversion, as funds were being redirected from essential government operations to pay for the casino commissioners' salaries. The proposed budget amendment included a total allocation of $472,916 for the commissioners, with specific amounts designated for the years 2023, 2024, and 2025. The former commissioners listed for payment included Edward De Leon Guerrero, Rafael Demopon, Mario Titano, Ramon Dela Cruz, Martin Mendiola, and Thomas Munon.
Senator Hauschneider emphasized the urgency of addressing the budget to restore employee hours and pension contributions, urging support from fellow members. However, Senator Babauta expressed strong opposition to the budget's passage, citing procedural irregularities and a lack of committee vetting. He argued that the budget's provisions for the casino commissioners represented a dangerous precedent and a misallocation of taxpayer funds, diverting resources from essential services such as public education and civil service employee compensation.
Despite the concerns raised, the Senate proceeded to vote on the amended budget. The results showed seven members in favor, one against, and one absent, leading to the passage of House Bill 2046 HD1. The session concluded with a reminder of an upcoming informational hearing scheduled for February 20, and a motion to adjourn was made and seconded.
Overall, the meeting highlighted significant tensions regarding budgetary priorities and the governance process, with implications for future fiscal management and transparency in the Northern Mariana Islands.
A key point of contention arose over whether this allocation constituted revenue diversion, as funds were being redirected from essential government operations to pay for the casino commissioners' salaries. The proposed budget amendment included a total allocation of $472,916 for the commissioners, with specific amounts designated for the years 2023, 2024, and 2025. The former commissioners listed for payment included Edward De Leon Guerrero, Rafael Demopon, Mario Titano, Ramon Dela Cruz, Martin Mendiola, and Thomas Munon.
Senator Hauschneider emphasized the urgency of addressing the budget to restore employee hours and pension contributions, urging support from fellow members. However, Senator Babauta expressed strong opposition to the budget's passage, citing procedural irregularities and a lack of committee vetting. He argued that the budget's provisions for the casino commissioners represented a dangerous precedent and a misallocation of taxpayer funds, diverting resources from essential services such as public education and civil service employee compensation.
Despite the concerns raised, the Senate proceeded to vote on the amended budget. The results showed seven members in favor, one against, and one absent, leading to the passage of House Bill 2046 HD1. The session concluded with a reminder of an upcoming informational hearing scheduled for February 20, and a motion to adjourn was made and seconded.
Overall, the meeting highlighted significant tensions regarding budgetary priorities and the governance process, with implications for future fiscal management and transparency in the Northern Mariana Islands.
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