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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.