Federal funding a factor in agencies’ FY05 budget

The Legislature will take into consideration the federal funding being received by government agencies in deciding how much to set aside for offices under the proposed appropriation for FY 2005.

For instance, the House conference committee is aware that the Public School System receives some $24 million a year in federal funding on top of its annual appropriation from the local government.

Under the continuing resolution, PSS gets $37.2 million every year from the local coffers.

The House approved a little less than the current level, while the Senate maintained the present funding. The Executive Branch had asked for $42 million for PSS.

“There are other agencies that get federal funds and the committee is looking into that in connection with their budget requests,” said House leadership spokesman Charles Reyes Jr.

In particular, he said the House panel is interested to know how much does the Marianas Micronesian Legal Services Corp. receive from the federal government.

MLRC recently appealed to the House to restore the $100,000 budget cut made by the Executive Branch on its budget; it also asked that its total local appropriation be raised to $200,000.

“They didn’t mention how much actually they get in federal funds,” he said.

MLSC directing attorney Jane Mack, in a recent letter to House Speaker Benigno R. Fitial, said that the Office of Management and Budget initially listed $186,184 as budget for MLSC, an independent government program, but the governor eventually cut it by $100,000.

Mack justified the need for budget restoration, noting that MLSC provides services to the poorest in the community.

“Please consider the needs of the poorest in the community, who depend on us as their only avenue for access to justice and the judicial system,” she said.

MLSC, founded over 30 years ago, provides free legal services to indigent individuals in civil cases.

“While the Public Defender only represents indigents accused of crimes, we handle civil cases,” she said.

MLSC consists of three attorneys, two paralegals, and two secretaries. In a typical year, MLSC handles 300 to 400 cases, averaging one every day.

Reyes said that representatives from the Office of the Public Defender have also visited certain lawmakers to lobby for more funding. The House-approved appropriation bill identifies $807,098 for the Public Defender, composed of 13 staff. The Public Defender’s Office operates under the Office of the Governor.

The Senate approved $827,090 for that office, listing 14 employees.