Rep. Edwin K. Propst (Ind-Saipan) urged the Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation in a session last Monday to help the Public School System as it grapples with its financial woes, to which delegation chair Rep. John Paul Sablan (R-Saipan) said he intends to do.<\/p>\n
During the delegation session\u2019s miscellaneous section, Propst recommended that they look at \u201chelping\u201d PSS, especially since the delegation is expecting a large chunk of money from the casino license renewal fee.<\/p>\n
According to Public Law 20-10, the $15 million annual renewal fee that Imperial Pacific International (CNMI) LLC is required to pay the CNMI every year is to be distributed to Saipan ($11 million), Rota ($2 million), and Tinian ($2 million).<\/p>\n
\u201c\u2026With this big chunk of money coming in, I would like us to seriously\u2026consider helping PSS, to meet with the commissioner and talk about their financial needs that is immediate,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
At the time of the delegation session, IPI has paid only a portion of the annual obligation. Once the entire amount is paid, Propst said the delegation could to meet with Education Commissioner Glenn Mu\u00f1a. IPI paid the renewal fee in full last Tuesday.<\/p>\n
\u201cI kindly ask that you meet with the commissioner,\u201d Propst said, addressing Sablan. \u201c\u2026This is something we really need to consider. School is about to open and they need help.\u201d <\/p>\n
In a later statement to Saipan Tribune, Sablan noted that, even without Propst\u2019s recommendation, he intends to assist PSS.<\/p>\n
\u201c\u2026As the chairman of [the delegation] and with the damage our schools have incurred from Super Typhoon Yutu, I strongly feel that it is fitting for the delegation to assist PSS with our schools here on Saipan,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
While Saipan is allocated $11 million of the $15 million annual casino license renewal fee, P.L. 20-10 allocates $1.5 million to the Saipan Higher Education Financial Assistance program, effectively leaving the delegation with only $9.5 million to work with.<\/p>\n
No legislation has been introduced yet as of publication.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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