The House of Representatives has approved in second reading Rep. Faimealelei Anthony Allen’s bill proposing salary increases for the Fono leaders and members.
The bill’s sponsor and vice chairman of the House Budget and Appropriations Committee Faimealelei said the committee had endorsed passage of the bill.
But Tuala-uta lawmaker Larry Sanitoa asked Speaker Savali Talavou Ale if the vote could be delayed while more research is carried out on the bill.
He said in a discussion with the Fono counsel, Nathaniel Savali subsequent to the Committee’s review of the bill on Friday, the attorney agrees with questions raised on the constitutionality of the bill in that it lacks a funding source.
Sanitoa said even though the bill is effective in Fiscal Year 2017, the provision of Article II Section one of the constitution relating to appropriations bills that are not covered in the budget, should be addressed.
He also said that it would cost $800,000 to fund the salary increases and there’s no secret money is needed for the hospital, schools, roads and other necessities.
Sanitoa proposed a motion to return the bill back to committee for further review regarding the constitutional requirement for appropriations bills.
But Rep Faimealelei said the Tuala-uta representative was trying to confuse and cloud up the issue when the Committee has made its decision.
He said the Fono attorney had been questioned and he didn’t see anything wrong with the bill, that funding can be included in the FY2017 budget when the proposed salary increases would take effect.
When Speaker Savali asked for a show of hands on Sanitoa’s motion some of the Representatives whose hands went up in support of the motion were Vui Florence Saulo, Toeaina Faufano Autele, Maugoalii Sipa Anoa’i, Vailoata Amituana’i and Timusa Lam Yuen.
However more than 10 members voted against the motion so it was defeated.
The bill was then put through second reading and was approved by 13 Representatives.
Timusa Lam Yuen and Toeaina who had voted to return the bill to committee, sided with supporters of the salary increase.
