Eighty-three percent of respondents in an online survey conducted last week by a group called the American Samoa Civic Engagement Coalition, were not in favor of increasing the local investment cap of the American Government Employees Retirement Fund from 17.5% to 35%.
When asked if they wanted to increase the government’s ability to borrow from the Retirement Fund the number of respondents who were not in favor grew to 96%
The Coalition says it wanted to know the peoples voice on the bill to hike the local investment ceiling, which was before the Senate last week.
In less than 24 hours the Coalition received 140 responses to their electronic survey.
The questions were:
- Are you in favor of increasing the investment cap in the Retirement Fund from 17.5 to 35%?
- Do you want your government leaders to increase the amount of money that can be borrowed from the Retirement Fund?
- Do you want ASCTA to find a different way to invest in the Hawaiki Cable and improve telecommunication services?
95% of the respondents wanted ASTCA to find a different way to invest in the Hawaiki cable and improve services.
The American Samoa Civic Engagement Coalition says 97% of respondents said they want to learn more about issued affecting American Samoa.
According to Luisa Kuaea, oneof the lead figures in the group, they will be hosting their first town hall meeting Thursday of next week at the Veterans Center.
The goal is to provide objective analysis on issues, collaborate on potential solutions and amplify the people’s voice to their public servants.
