Government
Briefs
Guam
Guam’s share of Compact-impact funds could be cut by millions if President Bush’s proposed budget for fiscal 2002 is passed. Bush’s FY2002 was issued in early April and will cut Guam’s Compact-impact funding to $4.58 million, compared to $10 million received last year. The money is compensation for the cost of education and social services provided to immigrants from the freely associated states (FAS). “I think we really need to educate the Bush Administration on the Compact-impact aid issue,” said Guam Rep. Robert Underwood. According to a report to the Interior Department by Gov. Carl T.C. Gutierrez, Guam taxpayers have spent about $180 million to provide services to FAS immigrants but have received only $29 million from the federal government.
American Samoa
It is no longer legal to use scuba equipment while fishing in the waters of American Samoa, according to an Executive Order issued by Governor Tauese Sunia. Scientists and environmentalists have long sought to curb use of scuba gear by commercial fishermen in American Samoa because many people feel it has contributed mightily to the depletion of fish in near-shore areas.
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American Samoa politicians will receive a pay increase in June. Governor Tauese Sunia approved a soda tax bill that will raise an estimated $2.5 million, as well as two other new laws that provide ways to spend it. The governor's salary increases from $50,000 to $85,000; the lieutenant governor's salary from $45,000 to $75,000. "While the benefit to me and the Lieutenant Governor of this measure is apparent…I believe the increases are reasonable, particularly in light of the fact that they have not been raised since 1982," the governor said. Another law increases the office expenses of legislature members from $5,000 per year to $15,000, while expense allowances for the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House rise from $10,000 to $20,000. The raises have been highly criticized by the public.
Northern Mariana Islands
The CNMI government has managed to trim its deficit. From more than $80 million in 1998, the government's cumulative budget deficit is now down to $66 million, because of the administration's cost-cutting measures, economic revitalization efforts and passage of business-friendly legislation. As a result of these efforts, government spending was reduced by about $50 million from FY 1997 to FY 2000; the $80 million deficit accumulated by previous administrations was reduced by $14 million; and revenues for the first time since 1997 have begin to increase.
