Increased federal funding for the CNMI

Since taking office in 2002 as your CNMI Resident Representative, I have worked hard to see to it that federal monies are brought home to the CNMI. In addition, I have also worked with congressional members to ensure that proposed legislation that would have a direct impact on the CNMI includes provisions that are beneficial to our people. Through these efforts, I have been able to directly increase federal funding by more than $50 million for the CNMI through either direct appropriations or increased authorizations. This amount does not include more than $15 million paid directly to families through child tax credits or stimulus payments.

Funds paid directly to the CNMI government:

-2003: $10,000,000 for deficit reduction in the Jobs and Growth Tax Reconciliation Act

-2003: Compact Impact increased from $500,000 to $5.1 million annually, totaling $25.5 million from 2003-2008.

Economic benefits paid directly to constituents and their families

-2003: Increased child tax credit to $1000 per child payable by US Treasury (authorized by the Jobs and Growth Tax Reconciliation Act)

-2008: Stimulus payments $300 and up depending on marital status and dependents, payable by US Treasury.

Utilities

-2004 and 2005: Acquired $3 million for water infrastructure on top of annual Covenant funding.

Education

-2007: Increased annual Pell Grant allowances for college students from $4,500 a year to $5,400 a year.

-2005: Increased annual funding under the Carl Perkins Vocational Education Act from $190,000 to $350,000

Health
Medicaid cap increases since 2002

Year Amount in millions
2002 $ 2.1
2003 2.255
2004 2.381
2005 2.380
2006 3.380
2007 4.580

Veterans

2008 New GI bill, to begin Aug. 1, 2009

-Increased tuition and fees equivalent to the amount charged by the most expensive in-state tuition charged at a public institution

Increased monthly housing allowance and book and supply allowance.

Transportation

-2005: Authorization for the Talofofo Bridge project $12 million

-2005: Increased Territorial Highway funds to $50 million from $36 million, to be shared by the CNMI, Guam, the Virgin Islands and American Samoa

Increased Eligibility

-Promoted and achieved eligibility for grants under the Office of Economic Adjustment in the Department of Defense.

-Promoted and achieved a set aside under the Higher Education Act for Asian and Pacific Islander Serving Institutions making it easier for Northern Marianas College to apply for Strengthening Institutions grants.