The impasse with the Fiscal Year 2021 budget looks it will carry into the new year and maybe one of the first issues that the new leaders of government need to take action on.
The latest extension of the executive order authorizing the funding of government operations which was issued November 1st, is effective for 60 days.
According to Governor Lolo Moliga’s Executive Assistant Iulogologo Joseph Pereira the extension will last until January 2, 2021 and spending is tied to approved FY2020 budget level.
He said the governor has not met with the Fono leaders again on the budget.
Efforts to reach the Senate President and House Speaker concerning the budget issue have not been successful and Fono staffers say the only thing that is happening at the Fono is that senators and House representatives who are not returning are clearing their desks.
The executive order authorizing spending to keep ASG opened stipulated that spending will continue at FY2020 budgetary levels unsing funds “not otherwise appropriated, for 60 days from the last executive order or until the formal budget or other appropriations measures are adpted.”
There’s been no explanation of the term “funds not otherwise appropriated,” but some finance officials say perhaps this is the surplus funds that the governor has mentioned several times.
Except that the governor himself has said that those surplus funds have been and are being used to build roads and buildings such as the TAOA Center and TCF walls and to finish the Fono building and construct the new court building.
The governor also specified that no expenditures for projects and activities beyond FY2020 levels will be allowed.
The word from some departments is that these restrictions are impacting their purchases of equipment and supplies and payment of services some of which are vital.