HEW resumes hearing today

The House committee on Health, Education and Welfare resumes its oversight hearing at 10 a.m. today at the House chamber, focusing chiefly on personnel policy of the Northern Marianas College, according to officials.

The panel is wrapping up its investigation of the financially troubled state college as requested by NMC officials, particularly board regents, who have complained of the time they have spent in attending the hearing that began on January 28.

So far, the committee, chaired by Rep. Heinz Hofschneider, has provided evidence that may seem to bolster allegations of mismanagement of CNMI’s lone higher learning institution — charged repeatedly denied by college officials.

In its hearing held last Thursday, the panel grilled NMC Personnel Director Connie Ramon on hiring policy, salary structure as well as benefits provided to college employees.

The inquiry on personnel, and possibly on the financial status of NMC, is expected to continue during the resumption of the hearing today which is open to the public.