Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean said at the opening of the special session of the 38th Legislature this morning that the Fono will accept the Governor’s request to approve the $36 million supplemental appropriations for Fiscal Year 2023.
He said the administration has accepted the Fono’s request with the appointment of an Independent Prosecutor to investigate the matter relating to the S36 million spending.
The Senate leader said the Governor and Lt. Governor will not hold these positions permanently, but the name of American Samoa is very important.
He said if ASG’s books are not closed this week, it will affect future borrowing by the government to finance bonds.
He said if government finances are not in good order, it will have negative repercussions in the future.
“We must resolve the issue of the $36 million for the sake of American Samoa’s future,” he urged.
The $36 million was surplus revenue from FY2023, which the administration spent without the Fono’s approval. At the Senate’s request via a single resolution, the Attorney General asked the High Court to appoint an Independent Prosecutor to investigate the unauthorized spending.
Tualo said an IP has now been appointed.
The Senate President finished with this advice.
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The Senate President was responding to remarks by Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga.
In a brief prepared speech in Samoan, the Governor outlined the topics to be discussed during the special session.
The $36 million appropriations, $700,000 in unobligated and unspent revenues from Fiscal Year 2022 to supplement the Fiscal Year 2024 budget. Lemanu said this funding will go towards the territory’s participation in the Pacific Arts Festival and for the Samoan Heritage Week.
Also on the agenda is the confirmation of board members.
The Governor said they were nearing the end of their terms in office and thanked the Fono leaders, senators and representatives for tending to their duties and responsibilities,
The special session, which is the second one for the 38th Legislature, is not to exceed 12 days.
