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Panel to take up ‘part-time legislature’
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Posted on Nov 27 2004
The House of Representatives is asking the public to speak out on the proposed part-time legislature. The House is set to hold a public hearing on the legislative initiative at the House chamber at 9am on Tuesday, Nov. 30.
“We would like people to come and participate in this process. We want to know their opinion. We want to hear what they have to say on this proposal,” said House leadership spokesman Charles Reyes Jr.
House Legislative Initiative 14-8, now under review by the House Committee on Judiciary and Governmental Operations chaired by Rep. Jesus Lizama, proposes to make the CNMI Legislature a part-time law-making body.
Rep. Clyde Norita, who authored the measure, said such setup would save the government some $3.2 million.
Currently, the Legislature spends $5.2 million every year for the 27 members’ salary at $39,300 each and allocation of $155,000 each.
The part-time legislature initiative aims to get rid of the lawmakers’ annual salary. Instead they would be paid $120 if they attend a session and $60 per committee meeting. Off-island lawmakers get $100 for airfare and $175 per diem.
Norita said that he has received very encouraging feedback on the measure from several groups and individuals.
“They’re excited about this and they want to see it done,” he said.
Earlier, Saipan Chamber of Commerce president Alex Sablan expressed his support for the initiative, saying that anything that would save the government should be considered.
Former Commonwealth Development Authority board chair Juan S. Tenorio believes, though, that Norita’s proposal would not work in the CNMI. He said there would always be a conflict of interest “left and right” if lawmakers are allowed to work part-time.
Under the proposal, lawmakers can keep their main job while serving at the Legislature.
