After several days of grey skies and rain, it's finally clearing. Hot and humid, as expected.
_____________________________
Although the weather is clearing from the dark skies, there is no light in the forecast for the political atmosphere.
The CNMI is facing a looming disaster--the shutdown of the government.
How did this happen?
Last November 2009, the voters passed an initiative HLI 16-11 to amend the Constitution. You can read some information about the original initiative at the MLSC Day In Court Blog. The pros and cons that were provided for voter education at the time are here.
But the best information is to read the actual HLI 16-11initiative that was approved by the voters. This shows the relevant language that was adopted into our Constitution, the language that is now the governing law of the CNMI.
This amendment requires a balanced budget by October 1 and, in its absence, prohibits funding government operations by continuing resolution. Rather, only "essential services" are to be funded until a balanced budget is passed. Those "essential services" are to be determined "by law." And the most telling provision is that the Legislators' salaries are to be suspended starting October 1 until they pass a balanced budget.
Who is responsible for this fiasco?
The initiative to amend the CNMI Constitution was introduced by Congressmen Diego T. Benavente, Joseph P. Deleon Guerrero, Edward T. Salas, and Ray Yumul.
I don't know who in the House voted for it, but it was passed by the House.
I don't know who in the Senate voted for it, but it was passed by the Senate.
And then it went to the people for a vote in the general election.
I don't know who voted for it among the general population; I only know I didn't vote for it. But it passed.
Why didn't our Legislators pass a balanced budget?
This of course is the big question.
The Legislative highlights on the Senate page was last updated 4/16/2010 (as of this writing) and it shows that Senator Pete Reyes had, by then, introduced a resolution SR 17-12 asking the Governor to convene an economic summit to avoid a government shut-down come October. I have no idea what happened to that resolution.
Other action at the time included a resolution to honor Bishop Tomas Camacho and opposing a proposed casino in Saipan.
The House website hasn't been updated since March 26, 2010 (as of this writing). Nothing on it even mentions budget concerns. There was, however, a standing committee report on a bill to amend the CNMI law about immigration. The report was adopted by the House.
On August 18, the House finally passed a budget bill--one that increased their discretionary spending while dishing out a 16 hour/payday cut to most other government workers. HB 17-96.
There was an instant uproar and silent protests. House Speaker Froilan Tenorio told the Senate it would be okay to change the budget if they increased his leadership account. He also urged them to pass the casino legislation.
On September 6, the
6 Comments on 2010-Government Shutdown?, last added: 9/27/2010
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By: Jane Mack,
on 9/24/2010
Blog: Saipan Writer (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Froilan Tenorio, FY 2011, stupidity in action, Politics, CNMI, CNMI budget, Add a tag
Blog: Saipan Writer (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Froilan Tenorio, FY 2011, stupidity in action, Politics, CNMI, CNMI budget, Add a tag
1. Half the guys in the Legislature are retired. They don't receive a government paycheck; they get a retirement paycheck. This shutdown won't affect them one bit.
2. Cutting government spending would be good for the economy and would create jobs. Where do you think the money to pay those government workers comes from? With no garment industry and a failing tourism sector, there is no economy to support government jobs. Government jobs are a drain on the economy, not a boon.
3. This fiasco started when the 15th Legislature passed a law that stopped all payments to the retirement fund. The government has been paying salaries only, but not benefits and definitely not for equipment that is needed for government workers to do their jobs. This was a ship heading for an iceberg years ago, and the captain still hasn't turned the rudder.
I voted yes for gov shutdown if they don't pass a budget... no regrets.
If they pass a budget before Oct.1 then they should have learned by now how the CNMI must live within its means each and every fiscal year hereafter.
If they don't pass a budget and govt shutdown happens, then voters will know these fools can't do their job and hopefully elect someone who understands what "live within your means" means.
Anon 6:21 PM.
I can respect that. You knew what you wanted and were voting for. You're prepared for the consequences, and it's not necessarily a bad decision.
But I doubt that most people were as informed as you.
I'm not sure it ensures a "balanced budget" --only some kind of budget. Nothing protects against unrealistic budget projections.
And I also wonder what happens if the Legislature passes a budget but the Governor vetoes it.
I'm not convinced that the Constitutional amendment achieves the purpose or is a good choice.
Angelo,
Your first point is pretty scary.
I completely agree with point two--but I think cutting government spending should be done by intentional budget choices, not a complete "fail" by the Legislature to do its job of setting a budget.
Point 3-another good one.
Will we sink when we hit the iceberg?
Did you see today's news? There is no government shutdown. If the government shutdown goes forward, only about 15% of the government workforce will will be told to go home, and that number does not include the hundreds or thousands of people on contract. This shutdown will be hard on the 700 or so families who will lose some income, but it will hardly save any money. In fact, the government shutdown saves less money than the 16 hour reduction in hours.
Hi Angelo,
I saw your comment to this effect in the Marianas Variety. You are right.
People are freaking out about not much of anything.
The hardest hit, though, will be the Judiciary. One Judge and one clerk at the Superior Court level cannot possibly keep things managed. Statutes of limitations, the need for summonses, domestic TROs, and basic justice are "essential services" imho.
OTOH, I've also heard from some local political pundits that the "shutdown" will only last a few days to a week. I'm not as convinced about this assessment, however. Hope they are right.