{"id":410470,"date":"2024-06-04T14:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-06-04T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.saipantribune.com\/?p=410470"},"modified":"-0001-11-30T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"-0001-11-29T14:00:00","slug":"Commerce-proposes-reduced-FY25-budget","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saipantribune.com\/index.php\/Commerce-proposes-reduced-FY25-budget\/","title":{"rendered":"Commerce proposes reduced FY25 budget"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Office of the Governor has proposed a reduced budget for the CNMI Department of Commerce for this coming fiscal year compared to fiscal year 2024 taking into account the CNMI\u2019s current economic crisis.<\/p>\n

Yesterday, CNMI Department of Commerce acting secretary Francisco Cabrera and Division of Alcoholic Beverage and Tobacco Control director Dave Maratita appeared before the House Standing Committee on Ways and Means for their budget hearing.<\/p>\n

The hearing addressed the proposed budget submitted by the Office of the Governor for the Department of Commerce.<\/p>\n

In an interview with Cabrera, the proposed budget for his department for FY2025 is $1.4 million, a reduction from its last fiscal year budget of $1.5 million.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe had [to implement a] reduction because of our current economic situation. We need to live by our government\u2019s means. We\u2019re in favor of the governor\u2019s proposed budget and we just need to live within our means,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Initially, the Department of Commerce submitted a budget of $2.8 million to the Office of Management and Budget under the Office of the Governor but does not object to the significant cut proposed.<\/p>\n

During the hearing, committee members raised concerns about the department\u2019s services. According to Cabrera, what needs to be addressed immediately is Commerce\u2019s statistics information as well as filling vital positions like an administrative hearing officer.<\/p>\n

\u201cTwo factors of concern were raised today; one was the information and statistics that needs to be opened and improved, second is hiring an administrative hearing officer. These are the things that need to be addressed right away,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

In an interview with Way and Means committee chair Rep. Ralph Yumul (Ind-Saipan), he said the committee did not go into detail during its budget hearing for Commerce yesterday as there is still the possibility of a revision as the legislature awaits a revised budget from the Department of Finance.<\/p>\n

Due to Hyatt Regency Saipan pulling out and the low tourist arrival projection, Finance is expected to submit a revised FY24 budget.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are expecting a revised budget so we are very careful of what we asked because there might be changes. There might be a drop in the next fiscal year, so we didn\u2019t go into much detail with the department because we\u2019re just waiting for the revised budget. With regards to Commerce\u2019s budget, due to grants and revolving funds, they have enough to sustain their current operations. So, they can sustain themselves. It\u2019s only the enforcement part, we aren\u2019t sure if they\u2019re going to hire to back up current enforcements. Moving forward, we are going to continue on with the budget hearings and then hope for the best while we wait for the revised budget from Department of Finance (if any),\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

CNMI Department of Commerce acting secretary Francisco Cabrera and CNMI Department of Commerce\u2019s Division of Alcoholic Beverage and Tobacco Control director Dave Maratita appear before the House Standing Committee on Ways and Means for their budget hearing yesterday.<\/p>\n

-KIMBERLY B. ESMORES
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