Despite a wave of public criticism, the first bill that the House of Representatives has approved since the start of the Third Regular Session of the 34th Legislature is the one to raise the salaries of the Fono leaders and members.
The bill was approved by a vote of 13-4 this morning.
The compensation package which will apply to senators and representatives returning for the 35th legislature in January of next year, has a price tag of $800,000.
Two of the lawmakers who voted against the bill Representative Larry Sanitoa and Maugaoalii Sipa Anoai expressed their feelings about the passage of the bill by their colleagues.
Fagatogo faipule Maugaoalii says his discontentment with the passage of House Bill to increase the salaries of Faipules and Senators stems mainly from the lack of due process and lack of funding source as required by statute.
He said for the Budget and Appropriations Committee chair to fast track this bill through without a proper hearing is just totally irresponsible.
Maugaoalii said suggestions were made by a few House members to call a hearing unfortunately, the suggestions fell on deaf ears.
The bill’s sponsor, Faimealelei Anthiony Allen, also chaired the committee discussion on the bill.
Maugaoalii says it’s against his better judgment to agree with the Fono payhike when there are major issues and problems facing the LBJ Hospital: lack of medicine and supplies, nurses and good doctors.
He added that the “deplorable conditions of our schools, our children subjected to sitting on the floor for lack of tables and chairs, is just alarming to say the least.”
He also pointed to poor road conditions.
Maugaoalii said to suggest that the increase is for the benefit of future generations and to attract the right people to the Fono “is a slap in the face for those who work hard for their respective districts.”
He declared, “There is no justification for the increase no matter which way you slice this. Our job as lawmakers is to serve our people and not look for ways to increase our means.”
Tuala-uta Rep. Larry Sanitoa said while he respects the decision of his colleagues, he’s extremely disappointed that the first order of business for the House of Representatives in 2016 is to raise the salaries of faipules and senators.
He asked, “Is raising our salaries more critical and a more urgent matter facing our government and people? The answer is unequivocally no.”
Sanitoa said the conversation should have never been about us but rather we should be holding serious discussions and brainstorming sessions on addressing many critical problems facing our territory.
He said, “Our health care is deteriorating due to lack of sustainable funding and proper management, and the schools are lacking basic proper supplies to educate our children, and we cannot maintain and develop our infrastructure. The list goes on.”
The Tuala-uta faipule said given the recent financial reports on local revenue collections, “this additional $800,000 from local funds will definitely put a strain and pressure on our financial stability in the future.”
The other House members who voted no on the bill were Vui Florence Saulo and Vailoata Amituanai.
