There’s an impasse on the FY2021 budget after the Fono yesterday reaffirmed the budget bill that it has already sent to Governor Lolo Moliga and which the governor says he cannot sign.
The Senate President and House Speaker yesterday informed the Governor of the Fono’s decision by letter.
“This turn of events is unprecedented and marks the first time in the territory’s history from the administration by the federal government, to the eventual local control, that we have been unable to timely fund our operations. This is unfortunate and we again, implore you to approve the budget as it was presented by the Fono,” wrote Speaker Savali Talavou Ale and Senate President Gaoteote Palaie Tofau.
Governor Lolo has said that the budget bill did not identify where the Fono’s made the budget cuts and that it failed to explain reasons for those cuts.
The Fono leaders said,” Although we disagree with your protestation it is trivial to debate this issue at this juncture. Notwithstanding the legalities of the government’s current status, we are accommodating your grievance by providing additional details on where the Legislature made changes to the proposed budget for FY2021.”
This is the Fono’s explanation of the cuts.
“The Fono set the funding for basic operations at the FY2020 level. The only entity which saw a change was the Department of Education whose budget was increased by $2.68 million The only program which saw a change was the Fono building which has been earmarked $500,000 in Special Programs. This funding supports the construction of a government building for offices and is not an increase in the Fono’s budget.“
The Senate and House leaders informed the Governor that the Fono has complied with his call for a Special Session, which listed as the only agenda item the FY2021 budget.
They reminded Lolo that the budget bill has been with him since September 28 awaiting his approval.
“We are unable to deliberate on a bill that has been duly passed and presented to you,” they wrote. “We appeal to Your deep sense of fidelity to the process and respectfully ask you to make a final decision.”
In their letter, Gaoteote and Savali expressed reservations about the legality of the executive order that Lolo issued to continue ASG operations.
”While we realize the need to effectively maintain the continuity of our operations, we hold great reservations on the validity of this action,” they said.
“Further the legislature cannot review a measure that has been duly passed and presented to the governor for review and approval. Returning the bill for additional review is not a procedural option available to either of our branches. We ask that you act on he budget which we timely transmitted.”
Governor Lolo had also mentioned the possibility of a continuing resolution until the FY2021 budget is finalized.
The response from the Fono leaders: “As we mentioned in previous communications, this is not a measure available for the Fono to adopt. It is highly unlikely that this topic will be discussed during any future meeting of the Legislature.”
They told the Lolo that the Fono has followed his call for a special session and both chambers resolved to remain firm on their position on the budget bill.
“We will not further deliberate on the FY2021 budget and we patiently await your final decision on its passage.”
KHJ News has sought comment from the Governor’s Office.
