The majority of House representatives attending a hearing Friday on a proposal to extend legislative sessions from 45 to 90 days did nit support the change.
They said representatives work year round. When they’re not in session, they are in the field tending to the needs of their constituents or meeting with departments on what needs fixing in their districts.
They said the two, 45-day legislative sessions per year are adequate and should not be changed.
Some of the first term lawmakers, said before they entered the House, they too thought faipule didnt have enough work because they were only in session 90 days out of the year. But since becoming lawmakers they’ve discovered that their work is 24/7 because their constituents are constantly contacting them about issues and problems in their districts.
Rep Luaitaua Gene Pan said his cell phone is on 24/7 because constituents will call night or day.
Rep. Vesiai Poyer Samuelu said people have suggested that they need to have longer sessions as their salaries were increased. But he pointed out Fono salaries had not been increased for many years and the pay hikes approved last year were long overdue. He didn’t mention that Fono office allowances had been hiked a few times.
The opponents said if there are pressing matters that are not covered during the regular sessions, the Governor can always call a special session.
Only Vice Speaker Fetu Fetui supported extending legislative sessions from 45 to 90 days. “Im 100% behind it,” he said. “We’ve been using the same system for decades and it’s time for a change.”
The Manu’a lawmaker observed that the most recent break in between Fono sessions was “very long,” and there were events and issues which happened during the recess but the Fono could not intervene or take action on because it was not in session.
Rep Tu’umolimoli Moliga moved that the Senate Joint Resolution proposing the change be put aside for discussion at a future time, and Vice Speaker Fetu agreed.
The Senate Joint Resolution, introduced by Senators Soliai Tuipine and Togiola Tukafono, was approved by the Senate during its last session.
