Pacific coalition lobbies for more federal funding By MARIAN A. MARAYA

The Pacific Worforce Investment Agency Coalition chaired by CNMI WIA Executive Director Felix Nogis has persuaded the US Department of Labor to retain the $4.8 funding appropriation accorded to US territories.

Coalition members from American Samoa, CNMI, Guam, Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshalls petitioned the federal government to reconsider its $2.3 million initial allotment to the Pacific region under the newly enacted Workforce Investment Act of 1998.

According to Pacific WIA leaders, a 46 percent reduction in the annual appropriation is a significant amount given that the funding award has yet to be determined on a competitive basis.

“Given WIA’s mandates and good intentions, it is evident that we are at a serious disadvantage, and tend to wonder whether such effort developing a state plan is worth it,” the coalition said.

Some members of the group led by Mr. Nogis even flew to Washington D.C. to lobby and came back with close to a half a million dollars allotment.

The CNMI, particularly, has gained 30 percent in appropriation from $363,162 to $516,355.

In a letter to US Dept. of Labor Regional Administrator Armando Quiroz, Mr. Nogis questioned the population and unemployment data used by the federal agency to determine the allotment of funds.

The data used was reportedly based on 1990 census records and not the 1995 version which is so far the latest available in the Commonwealth.

“Essentially, this entails that although the CNMI has a reliable and credible data, changes in funding is contingent on the timely submission from other jurisdictions. Needless to mention, this is the most ridiculous and absurd reasoning I have ever heard. I am requesting that such issue be addressed to reflect equitable funding based on 1995 census,” Mr. Nogis wrote to the U.S. labor official.

Through one united voice, Mr. Nogis and coalition members were pleased that the federal government responded favorably to their request.

“This is a manifestation that one firm group carries more weight,” said Mr. Nogis.

Under the new act, the CNMI has authority to disburse a total of $516,355 for its three main project categories: $153,481 for adults, $106,153 for youth, and $256,721 for dislocated workers.