Motion for reconsideration saves $3.1 million bill

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The administration bill appropriating $3.1 million as a supplemental budget for Fiscal Year 2024 did not garner enough votes to pass second reading in the Senate this morning.

The bill was salvaged, however, after Senator Togiola Tulafono moved a motion for reconsideration which Senators approved.

The bill will be discussed again by the Budget and Appropriations Committee Thursday.

Earlier, Budget Director Catherine Saelua and Acting Treasurer Alapasa Tuatoo showed up at the Senate to give testimony on the bill. (Both the Treasurer and Deputy Treasurer are off-island).

But Senator Malaepule Saite Moliga didn’t feel their testimony was necessary.

He said the bill as presented was self explanatory.

The breakdown of the appropriations bill is:

  • $1 million for the Fono’s 75th jubilee celebration
  • $1.5 million to buy furniture for the new Fono building… the two items vetoed by the Governor in an earlier appropriations bill
  • $400,000 for the Immigration Office for operations and enforcements
  • $75,000 for the Criminal Justice Panning Agency for Victims of Crime Compensation Program
  • $50, 000 for the Shipyard Services Authority to maintain compliance with USEPA requirements
  • $75,000 for the Jean P Hayden Museum.

Malaepule proposed that the $2.5 million for the Fono be allocated for the opening of the new Fono building.

Senate President Pro Tem Senator Magalei Logoviii was concerned that any changes they make would need approval by the House, and if a conference is necessary, it would prolong the special session.

Magalei said, later, the Senate is looking at ending the special session this Friday because by next week, they may not have a quorum.

Only 11 senators have been attending the session and some are scheduled to leave for off-island Monday.

Senator Uti Petelo said he wanted to hear from the ASG officials, why the Governor vetoed the $2.5 million for the Fono then decided to resubmit it in the new bill. He said, up to now, there’s been no explanation on the Governor’s veto action and he wanted to understand why.

Senator Magalei responded that the Budget Director and Acting Treasurer were not the ones responsible for the Governor’s veto. He moved that the bill be approved as is.

The two senators who voted no on the $3.1 million appropriations were Senator Uti Petelo and Senator Satele Lili’o.