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Senate recalls nursing scholarship bill
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Posted on Jul 13 2005
Citing protests from a group of local nursing students at the Northern Marianas College, the Senate yesterday voted unanimously to recall a bill that aims to create a nursing scholarship program.
This after Sen. Pete P. Reyes said during yesterday’s session that a local student called him recently complaining to him about the alleged refusal of Gov. Juan N. Babauta to meet with him to discuss his concerns on the bill.
The measure, House Bill 14-221, was earlier approved by both chambers and is now before the governor for action.
“Why would the governor not want to see him? This student told me he’s been calling the Governor’s Office in the past three weeks,” he said.
He described the alleged unwillingness of the governor to meet with the student as “unbelievable” and a wrong way to treat constituents.
“My office is open. Anybody can walk in and I can meet with anyone. We should remember that we are public servants,” said Reyes.
“My point is the governor won’t see him [student],” he added.
Sen. Thomas P. Villagomez said that he also received a call from a student who was pushing for some amendments on the nursing scholarship bill.
“I thought that we’re helping our students but according to this person, the legislation needs more amendments,” said Villagomez.
Majority floor leader Paul M. Manlonga, for his part, told his colleagues to “give the governor the benefit of the doubt.”
“It’s like me probably wanting to see the U.S. president. I am a senator but I know that it’s difficult to see him. The thing is, if we want to recall the bill, let’s do it,” said Manglona.
The Senate then proceeded to vote, resulting in a nine unanimous votes in favor of the recall of the bill.
In an interview after the session, Villagomez said that the some students are complaining because the bill contains provisions that would disqualify local nursing students.
“We don’t want that to happen,” said Villagomez.
The bill aims to appropriate $200,000 annually to the program from revenue generated through Public Law 13-38.
The bill said that the program shall expire after six years.
The proposal requires scholars to take the National Council Licensure Examination within nine months after graduation.
