Legislative Bureau suspends services

The NMI Legislative Bureau has terminated essential services following a letter from the CNMI administration informing the bureau that they will no longer be receiving the remaining $1.8 million in American Rescue Plan Act monies allocated by the previous administrator.

Last week, Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Finance Secretary Tracy Norita wrote to Legislative Bureau director Perry P. Tenorio stating that there were no sufficient ARPA funds left for the Legislature.

During the previous administration, former governor Ralph DLG Torres allocated $3.5 million to the Legislative Bureau but about $1.8 million had yet to be disbursed.

“We regret to inform you that we have reviewed the ARPA Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund spending and determined that there are not sufficient funds available to pay available budget amounts not already disbursed on behalf of the CNMI Legislature,” said the letter.

Tenorio, in a letter to the Legislature, stated that because they no longer have access to these ARPA funds, they will have to terminate essential services.

“Following the governor and the Department of Finance secretary’s correspondence informing us that the bureau will no longer have access to the remaining ARPA Fund balance of $1.8 million, we are compelled to take immediate actions to prevent the bureau from incurring unfunded liabilities. The situation is of significant concern. Effective immediately, aside from personnel and utilities, all recurring monthly services will be discontinued. This will have a critical impact on the Bureau’s operational capacity, particularly in the area of communications infrastructure,” said Tenorio.

Specifically, Tenorio explains that internet, landlines, and cellular services will cease, rendering the bureau unable to broadcast legislative sessions and committee meetings.

“This will severely restrict transparency and public access. Additionally, the discontinuation of internet service will halt all communication and research capabilities, and without operational landlines, both internal and external coordination will be significantly disrupted. Office equipment will no longer receive or send email communication, further crippling day-to-day functions,” he said.

Although the bureau is still trying to work with the presiding legislative officers on this matter, they have no choice but to cease normal operations, Tenorio says.

“We are actively working with the presiding officers on this matter, and we have communicated today a formal request to the administration to rescind its decision and reinstate the bureau’s ARPA allocation. However, until such a reversal occurs, there are no available funds to continue normal operations. As such and effectively immediately, we will notify all vendors to cease services to avoid incurring additional unfunded liabilities,” said Tenorio.

Perry P. Tenorio