Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga’s Inaugural Address was one of the briefest delivered at a joint session for the Fono in the last decade.
The governor chose to highlight a few issues in his speech which was delivered in Samoan while a print version of his State of the Territory report was distributed at the opening ceremony held at the Lee Auditorium this morning.
On finances Lemanu the American Samoa Government is operating on the Fiscal Year 2020 budget law
The budget projected revenues of $103 million for the year but actual collections raised $106.7 million. 
Expenditures totaled $95.3 million leaving a balance of $7.7 million. Add that total to the overage in revenues collected gave ASG a surplus of $11.3 million at the end of FY2020.
Lemanu was thankful to the previous administration for this positive fund balance now being used to finance government operations.
However he said this funding would not be adequate to cover the first two quarters of FY2021.
Thus it was necessary to approve a current fiscal year budget that both the executive and Fono would agree on.
Lemanu said American Samoa will benefit from the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021 signed by President Trump which will entitle adults and children to $600 in stimulus payments. And if congress approves an amendment, this entitlement would increase to $2000.
The print version of the SOT speech says, “The Acting Treasurer and Tax Office officials are in discussion with the IRS to finalize the implementation plan.
“Based on our local filers from the first Economic Impact Payments, a disbursement of over $23 million is proposed and will be forthcoming once approved.” 
Lemanu also mentioned that we are in the season of local and additional child tax credit filings which will keep Treasury and the Tax Office busy…which he said was a good kind of busy because it will put money the hands of our people.
The governor said more funding for American Samoa is forthcoming under the CARES Act.
Lemanu also announced that the first repatriation flight bringing residents stranded off island is scheduled for January 29 and requirements have been set by health authorities for everyone to abide by. 
He asked that the territory follow and support them to ensure a successful and safe implementation.
The print version of the speech states: “With a current audit by the Office of the Inspector General on the use of the Coronavirus Relief Fund the we have launched an approach to increase being accountable in every area of our work performances. We hope, pray and work to further build our image as people of integrity and wise stewardship of resources we are blessed with.”
It goes on to say, “In the first 100 days, we hope to release a clear vision across various issues and priorities.
“While our many issues cannot be solved in 100 days, we do intend to outline the direction and priorities of our administration over the next four years.”
