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This cartoon intends to show the sacrifices of the most important in our community for the sake of restoring 80 hours of work to government employees. Cuts in education, CHC, Medicaid, and the benefits contributions are hurting the young, the sick, and the aged. Instead, we will pay our bloated government payroll. Politicians make these choices because their priority is re-election, not the good of the community.
The scales are balanced, but the pool of bloody victims is not pretty.
0 Comments on Marianas Milk today as of 10/12/2012 12:05:00 AM
great cartoon again Jane. you seriously should consider partnering with one or both of the papers. humor may be a very effective tool.
Thomas Jefferson : "Ridicule is the only weapon which can be used against unintelligible propositions."
on matters of this budget. the house majority and senate came to an agreement late Friday. they went with 10 hours and 10 unpaid holidays. they were posed to meet on Saturday at 2pm to go through the motions and pass it. everyone knew it was a done deal.
so what happened on Saturday? before 2pm the governor called the house majority leaders into his office. he had them there until close to 5pm (delaying the session and keeping the public waiting). in that meeting he threatened the majority leaders if they went ahead with that agreement. 16 hours or nothing.
like the loyal idiots they did as they were told.
the governor has his hands grasped around the majority's nads so tightly that they need his permission to take a piss.
My preference would be to cut positions, not hours. It is better to cut specific programs rather than reduce the overall effectiveness of the entire government.
I do not think the government should exist to give everyone a job. The government should exist to create the conditions that leads to job creation.
The Tribune's breaking story gives some of the flavor of what happened, anon--though not with quite the clarity of your comment.
Agreed, Angelo. But there are an awfully lot of voters who disagree and think the government should be in the business of providing jobs... It's an uphill battle to change that mentality.
Anon-who exactly were the House majority leaders that the Governor called in to pressure?
Anonymous said, on 10/4/2010 1:24:00 AM
Ray Basa and a couple of the others in and out of the Governor's office from just before 2pm till close to 6pm.
From what I hear the earlier, Friday deal was struck when the Lt. Governor worked with Senate and House. They all agreed until the Governor found out the next day and spoiled it with his my way or the highway attitude.
Anonymous said, on 10/4/2010 7:28:00 AM
Meeting right now too. All present up on the hill with the exception of Basa, Froilan and Fitial. Lt. Governor is there.
People need to realize that these three people really don't give a damn. I hope people are not easily bought this time.
Unofficial special meeting started at 7:15pm and is still going after Midnight.
After several days of grey skies and rain, it's finally clearing. Hot and humid, as expected. _____________________________
Although the weather is clearing from the dark skies, there is no light in the forecast for the political atmosphere.
The CNMI is facing a looming disaster--the shutdown of the government.
How did this happen? Last November 2009, the voters passed an initiative HLI 16-11 to amend the Constitution. You can read some information about the original initiative at the MLSC Day In Court Blog. The pros and cons that were provided for voter education at the time are here.
But the best information is to read the actual HLI 16-11initiative that was approved by the voters. This shows the relevant language that was adopted into our Constitution, the language that is now the governing law of the CNMI.
This amendment requires a balanced budget by October 1 and, in its absence, prohibits funding government operations by continuing resolution. Rather, only "essential services" are to be funded until a balanced budget is passed. Those "essential services" are to be determined "by law." And the most telling provision is that the Legislators' salaries are to be suspended starting October 1 until they pass a balanced budget.
Who is responsible for this fiasco? The initiative to amend the CNMI Constitution was introduced by Congressmen Diego T. Benavente, Joseph P. Deleon Guerrero, Edward T. Salas, and Ray Yumul.
I don't know who in the House voted for it, but it was passed by the House. I don't know who in the Senate voted for it, but it was passed by the Senate.
And then it went to the people for a vote in the general election. I don't know who voted for it among the general population; I only know I didn't vote for it. But it passed.
Why didn't our Legislators pass a balanced budget? This of course is the big question. The Legislative highlights on the Senate page was last updated 4/16/2010 (as of this writing) and it shows that Senator Pete Reyes had, by then, introduced a resolution SR 17-12 asking the Governor to convene an economic summit to avoid a government shut-down come October. I have no idea what happened to that resolution.
Other action at the time included a resolution to honor Bishop Tomas Camacho and opposing a proposed casino in Saipan.
The House website hasn't been updated since March 26, 2010 (as of this writing). Nothing on it even mentions budget concerns. There was, however, a standing committee report on a bill to amend the CNMI law about immigration. The report was adopted by the House.
On August 18, the House finally passed a budget bill--one that increased their discretionary spending while dishing out a 16 hour/payday cut to most other government workers. HB 17-96.
1. Half the guys in the Legislature are retired. They don't receive a government paycheck; they get a retirement paycheck. This shutdown won't affect them one bit.
2. Cutting government spending would be good for the economy and would create jobs. Where do you think the money to pay those government workers comes from? With no garment industry and a failing tourism sector, there is no economy to support government jobs. Government jobs are a drain on the economy, not a boon.
3. This fiasco started when the 15th Legislature passed a law that stopped all payments to the retirement fund. The government has been paying salaries only, but not benefits and definitely not for equipment that is needed for government workers to do their jobs. This was a ship heading for an iceberg years ago, and the captain still hasn't turned the rudder.
Anonymous said, on 9/26/2010 1:21:00 AM
I voted yes for gov shutdown if they don't pass a budget... no regrets.
If they pass a budget before Oct.1 then they should have learned by now how the CNMI must live within its means each and every fiscal year hereafter.
If they don't pass a budget and govt shutdown happens, then voters will know these fools can't do their job and hopefully elect someone who understands what "live within your means" means.
Anon 6:21 PM. I can respect that. You knew what you wanted and were voting for. You're prepared for the consequences, and it's not necessarily a bad decision.
But I doubt that most people were as informed as you.
I'm not sure it ensures a "balanced budget" --only some kind of budget. Nothing protects against unrealistic budget projections.
And I also wonder what happens if the Legislature passes a budget but the Governor vetoes it.
I'm not convinced that the Constitutional amendment achieves the purpose or is a good choice.
I completely agree with point two--but I think cutting government spending should be done by intentional budget choices, not a complete "fail" by the Legislature to do its job of setting a budget.
Did you see today's news? There is no government shutdown. If the government shutdown goes forward, only about 15% of the government workforce will will be told to go home, and that number does not include the hundreds or thousands of people on contract. This shutdown will be hard on the 700 or so families who will lose some income, but it will hardly save any money. In fact, the government shutdown saves less money than the 16 hour reduction in hours.
Hi Angelo, I saw your comment to this effect in the Marianas Variety. You are right.
People are freaking out about not much of anything.
The hardest hit, though, will be the Judiciary. One Judge and one clerk at the Superior Court level cannot possibly keep things managed. Statutes of limitations, the need for summonses, domestic TROs, and basic justice are "essential services" imho.
OTOH, I've also heard from some local political pundits that the "shutdown" will only last a few days to a week. I'm not as convinced about this assessment, however. Hope they are right.
The administration/and the Covenant legislators propose a plan that will lose the PSS $16million dollars immediately and cause other harm. In order to save about $4 to $5million.
Meanwhile, legislators are getting $4,200/day for "subsistence" pay when they have to be on another island other than their home for legislative sessions.
Meanwhile, legislators are getting paid as full-time employees, when we could easily get by with a part-time legislature.
where is the federal investigation into fitial allowing the federal detainee to be released for his personal massage? i can't believe that they have their heads buried in the sand; meanwhile the citizens of the cnmi are dying... there is something seriously wrong with the fitial administration! hopefully they will take him out, sooner than later, so we can start the real work to get us out of this quagmire we are in.
Anonymous said, on 4/14/2010 1:40:00 AM
Is there truth that Fitial commuted the 20 year sentence of drug dealer David Tanaka Diaz and that Diaz is now a free man?
Okay, so now I'm confused. David Tanaka Diaz was sentenced to 30 years in jail; the last 5 years were suspended, but the 25 years were supposed to be without parole. Saipan Tribune article
So how does he get parole? I'm still trying to find out what happened.
The tangentangen is full of brown, crackling, dried seed pods. Breadfruit trees are laden with huge ripe fruits. The nights are still cool and comfortable for sleeping, but the days have become hot and close--the kind of heat that leeches the energy out of you and makes you want to take a nap. __________________________________________
Immigration -- There may be a court challenge to the CNMI's recent enactment, P.L. 17-1. If you are an alien in the CNMI, and you want to join forces in challenging the law, you might see a lawyer now. Low income persons can apply for help at MLSC. Others with middle or more income could check private lawyers like Mark Hanson, Rob Torres, Steve Woodruff, Colin Thompson, Richard Pierce (or any attorney of your choice).
CNMI politics--Still as disruptive as ever. The AG's office seems to be an arm of the Governor's Office, rather than an office serving the interests of the people. I now favor an independently elected AG. I worried that this would only make the office more political; but it now seems to be so political that "more" is impossible. I worried that legal work is not well-understood by the community and the opinions publicly stated would often lead to unconstitutional and unfair results; but the office is being used for unconstitutional and unfair results in the hands of the Governor, without accountability, so the people may be a better choice! I realize that the people re-elected the Governor, so there is little likelihood of real improvement with an elected AG; but it is remotely possible that such election would provide a measure of independence that is currently not present, and that would be healthy.
The CNMI budget--We're going to see the new CNMI Constitutional provision in play this year, and it won't be pretty. Governor Fitial will have a proposed budget by April 1. But the pressure on the Legislature to pass a budget by October 1 may force concessions no one likes.
Some ideas for what our CNMI Legislature could be focusing on now: 1. We have too many government employees--and the cuts should be at the top first, where expense is greatest. Constitutional protections apply to those in office, but if our CNMI Congress would pass legislation now that lowers these salaries, we will at least see savings in the future. Do it! 2. They could change to a part-time Legislature. And eliminate the municipal councils. We don't need so much government. 3. They could LEGISLATE a list of essential public services, so that the Governor cannot decide who gets money and who doesn't based on his own preferences, all under the guise of what is essential, if and when the budget doesn't pass.
We want a rational process, not unmitigated and unrestricted politics.
Community--The SSHS Manta Ray Band concerts on 3/26 and 3/27 were a success. Great performances, reasonably good attendance, successful fundraising. Just one small complaint: fundraising should be transparent. When you've set a specific goal ($140,000) for your trip to Carnegie Hall, you should be telling and showing exactly how close you are to the goal, on a regular basis. You shouldn't dodge specific questions like 'how much more do you need to reach your goal?'with vague assertions like 'we're close.'
I am agreement 110%, it is too bad that"common sense" will not prevail. as always, this is one word that is not in the "local" dictionary. Your observations and "legal opinions" are always so welcomed and respected. (even if sometimes I am not in total agreement) Thank you.
Captain said, on 3/30/2010 8:13:00 AM
Sorry, but attribute that first comment to me.(wrong button)
Swivel Chair Lawyer said, on 3/30/2010 10:14:00 PM
We have too many government employees--and the cuts should be at the top first, where expense is greatest. Constitutional protections may apply to those in office, but if our CNMI Congress would pass legislation now that lowers these salaries, we will at least see savings in the future.
Jane, that is exactly the wrong direction, and pandering to the Politics of Envy.
First, if you look at total numbers, it is not the key management officials where the do-nothing jobs lie (for the most part), because there just aren't that many of them.
The bulk of personnel costs goes to low-paid workers.
Also, a very strong case could be made that the key management and professional employees are underpaid. People with real skills are part of a nationwide or worldwide market place. Don't treat them right and they move on.
That is the ultimate reason that our CHC, OAG, and CUC are so messed up. It's not merely "politics," but just plain maltreatment, incompetence, poor working conditions, and low pay.
Your "solution" would actually make things worse. We have already tried underpaying doctors, lawyers, and engineers for a decade or more. (Not counting recent professional graduates, their pay is fine.)
It hasn't worked. First pay the key employees, so we can get started fixing things. Otherwise, matters will continue to get worse and worse.
An elected AG is worthless without budget control and an adequate salary -- the same as an associate judge.
I'll grant you our legislature is bloated, considering the size of our population. We need a 3-person Senate and 7-member House.
Maybe you should draft some constitutional amendments to change the AG and legislature, and once they've been critiqued, have Tina circulate them?
It seems that the Legislature has adopted a new method for the budgeting process--one that starts with a spending cap, so there is some basic agreement by all, and then moves to the final budgeting/parceling out the money.
The House finally introduced the budget bill, H.B. 16-275 this week for FY 2010 (beginning on October 1, 2009). Although this is a very late introduction, they've almost made up for the problem.
It also provides for some payments to the NMI Retirement Fund, as required by the recent court ruling. Regardless of who is to blame for the mess, it's important that the mess be cleaned up, and this budget bill seems to begin that process.
The prompt passage by the House still gives the Senate a little time to review and vote on the budget, but not much. Let's hope the Senate acts quickly and responsibly.
House votes to override Governor's veto of budget. Just heard. More details to come.
EDIT: Some details.
14 voted for the override--the same 12 who previously voted for the override, plus David Apatang (who had been absent before) and Edwin Aldan (who had voted no on the override before).
P.S. I forgot to say this--and perhaps it is the most important thing to say--thanks! thanks! THANKS! to all 14 House members. And of course, to our Senators who previously voted to override the budget veto.
This may not be the best budget. It may not even be a good budget. But at least it is a written, considered, and legislated budget. Yay!
Second edit: I also heard (and Ed reports this, too) that Stanley Torres voted "no" on the budget override this time. The report I heard is that he mentioned Lil Hammerhead's blog figured in his final decision... I'm not sure how--perhaps he wants to give Lil more fodder, or he enjoys the attention, or he just doesn't like being pressured even by public opinion. Guess I'll have to wait for the newspaper editions, though, to see his exact quote.
I'm still waiting to hear who the other 3 "no" votes were.
Final edit: Per Ed at Marianas Pride in the comments, voting NO--Oscar Babauta, Joseph James N. Camacho, Victor Hocog, and Stanley Torres.
11 Comments on 339. News Flash! New Growth in Backbones..., last added: 4/6/2009
You're assuming, Lil. I think he might read the comments, or he might be getting us confused, or he might be getting you confused with Pragmatic Plato, or a reference to you is the same to him as a reference to all bloggers...
I'm disappointed that Stanley didn't vote for the override.
That was my first assumption after reading your post.. he confused your blog with mine. That's an honor by the way. Or as you've said.. the blogs have just gotten him so frustrated and riled up.. he just lumps them all together.
Damned free speech! He should look upon them as online "privelege speeches" ;}
mehearemsay said, on 3/11/2009 4:50:00 PM
What do you expect from a man (Stanley)who's liver is larger than his brain?
Comparing the weights of liver and brain, it was seen that except in children, the mean weight of the liver was more than the mean weight of the brain in both the genders. This is in concordance with the findings of the studies on European and Japanese population [10-15], and contrary to the studies from other regions of India. [2, 9]
Oscar M. Babauta--he'd voted against the budget when it passed because he supports Governor Fitial's call for austerity Fridays, so presumably he objects to the override for the same reason. He also said, when questioned about his reasons, that he recommended that the House of Representatives "move on" to more pressing concerns.
Raymond D. Palacios--no reason given; he'd voted for this budget when it was originally passed.
Independent Victor B. Hocog--he voted for the budget when it passed, but voted against the budget veto override because the Governor telephoned him threatening to furlough contractual workers, especially in Rota and Tinian.
David M. Apatang--absent; he'd voted for this budget when it was originally passed.
Some thoughts: 1. Rep. Babauta--There are no more pressing concerns. We need a budget immediately. We need to stop discretionary spending, stop uncontrolled deficit spending, stop irresponsible-no account needed spending. Your support of austerity Fridays is a sham to hide the fact that you really support this governor having unlimited power. A budget, even without austerity Fridays, puts in more fiscal controls and restraints than the phantom austerity Fridays you pretend to hold out for.
2. Rep. Torres--Why were you late? You needed to be ready and present from the start. You have a responsibility and need to live up to it. This is probably the lamest excuse from a legislator to date--and that's really saying something given all the lame excuses we've heard over the past year from you and your colleagues.
3. Rep. Hocog--Where is your backbone? Stand up to the Governor and vote for what is right. The CNMI needs a budget. You are concerned about contractual employees in Rota. Why does the CNMI have so many government employees who are not civil service? Why do we have so many ordinary citizens in political appointments and contractual jobs that are subject to political pressure tactics? We cannot be hostages to our leaders. And you, as a "leader" should not be bowing to political pressure and caving in to threats of job losses when you actually supported this budget to begin with.
4. Rep. Camacho--Although you gave no excuse on the record in the House, you explain your reasons on your website. Basically, you say your change of mind relates to separation of powers, because the budget contains a provision that requires Legislative approval of any and all new hires. You say you originally voted for the budget because this provision can be viewed as merely ministerial (an administrative function), but now that the Governor says it violates the Constitution, you must respect the Governor's interpretation.
This is a lame excuse. The budget as passed--HB 16-213--contains at sec. 801 a "severability" clause, basically saying that if any one provision is unconstitutional, it shall be severed from the law and the rest remain in effect.
You should have voted to override the veto. Then we would have a budget. If the provision is challenged and the court rules it unconstitutional (neither a sure bet), we still have a budget and the constitution is upheld by severing it from the rest of the law.
Stop trying to confuse the electorate with make-believe justifications. This is nothing but a lame excuse and a poor one at that. I suspect this excuse masks other political motivations. Be honest with us.
5. Rep. Quitugua--What does it mean to be a member of the Democrat party? What possible explanation could you reasonably give for voting against the veto override? I suspect your vote has nothing to do with democracy and everything to do with your personal politics and limited vision.
6. Rep. Palacios--I understand that you voted this time with your party. I don't agree with you or your party. I hope Covenant loses resoundingly in the next election.
7. Rep. Apatang--Why did you miss this session? I understand that you may be sick. You didn't look good today when I saw you at the memorial service for the Honorable Marty W. K. Taylor. I hope you get well soon.
WE STILL NEED A BUDGET!
0 Comments on 337. Oh, for a Good Lame Excuse as of 1/1/1900
I can't agree with you more but I would like to add one more bit to your response to the lame excuse on Josi's website.
He mentions that constitutionality of the hiring clause in the budget and states that is why he voted "no".
I must say that is hogwash he himself proved it by immediately voting "YES" to HB 16-212 that does exactly the same thing and with even more force. The bill states that under continuing resolution (as is the case now) ALL Hiring by the judicial and executive branchs will be subject to legislative approval. HE VOTED "YES" TO THIS BILL right after voting "no" to the budget on the grounds that the clause in the budget that mandates ALL Hiring by the judicial and executive branchs will be subject to legislative approval.
HE is really stuck on stupid. An attorney? Are you kidding me? He says, "It is unconstitutional for the legislative branch to meddle with hiring by the judiciary and the executive branches. That is a breach of separation of powers." And then turns around and VOTES YES to 16-212??? A bill that mandates legislative approval for hiring by the Judiciary and the Executive branches under continuing resolution.
WTF?!
Josi you have to go!!!
Forget coming clean now just take your toys, say goodbye and go home.
GRRRRRR.... I can honestly say that I have known Joe for some time now even prior to his run for office. I have always had a deep down feeling that something just wasn't right. He campaigned as a person who embraced change and transparency in government. He played it off that he was anti status quo. I truly never bought it.
I could tell from his campaign tactics and his rhetoric that that was it was hogwash.
He got elected, hired his best friend and mother-in-law, had his brother hired, had his wife hired with kilili part-time while she was still hired with retirement, took floor leadership and has failed miserably at that, consistently attempts to squash any debate or dialogue during sessions, introduced the most bills (the most nonsense bill too), i can go on and on.
needless to say he has lived down to my expectations. I had so hoped I was going to be proven wrong.
I believe this is the most intense post I've ever read on your blog.. and because of your stature and respectability.. one of the most intense and moving posts I've read on any blog ever.
I think you should read my blog more! :-) This didn't seem all that intense to me...
the anarchist said, on 3/5/2009 6:27:00 PM
Victor's vote was the most disturbing and disapointing.
Victor, Personally, I don't care about the budget. If you can't take a lttle political pressure you should never ask for the position which you now hold. Where is your honor, integrity, and courage? Where is your conviction and sence of responsibility and loyalty to the commonwealth. Man, what are you afraid of? If your moral conviction can be held hostage my friend, you are an indeed weak individual, and a shameful representative of these islands. I would have expected more.
Anonymous said, on 3/6/2009 1:55:00 AM
Vic:
Please park the Pathfinder and get a bicycle. Saipan's taxpayers are footing you and your cronies contract workers.
Also, stop using the $5,000 whirlwind fund for your cockfighting gambling addiction.
We, taxpayers, deserve better...
captain said, on 3/7/2009 5:30:00 AM
Too good,much said,all true.
Anonymous said, on 3/9/2009 9:57:00 PM
Jane, your "severability clause" justification for a veto override is symptomatic of the major cause of government waste in the past decades -- bogus lawsuits!
We have essentially ceded the functioning of our government to the judiciary. They make every decision around here, and have for the most part not been chosen based on their legal skills.
Maybe as a lawyer you think a judiciocracy is the salvation of our Commonwealth, but it has turned out to be our destruction!
Words have meaning. "Separation of powers" is not an idle phrase. The legislature should not be micro-managing executive branch hiring.
Now we see where the real problem lies. Too many bogus lawsuits!
Don't pass a law if you know it is defective.
Not having a budget is not the worst thing that can happen to us. (I never heard your voice raised on this issue when your hero Nekai was in office.)
We are a government of laws, not men, but for decades the OAG has been under-funded, with an AG who does not control his own budget (like the Public Auditor does).
Then we are surprised at all the bogus lawsuits, mostly lost by the government.
Judges are the problem, not the solution. We have ceded our democracy to a few corrupt judges.
You, by feeding ever more decisions to them, are making things worse.
1. I've always supported having a budget each year. I'm sorry you don't know about my views. I wasn't blogging (didn't even know about it) when Juan N. Babauta was governor. I did support enacting a budget then, too. Continuing resolutions are a poor way to manage fiscal matters.
2. I'm not in favor of passing laws that are easily challenged on constitutional grounds. I don't think the Legislature should include these type of provisions in ANY of their bills.
3. But it's a lame excuse that this is the reason for JJ Camacho voting no on the override when he supported the bill; and worse when he voted yes on the very next bill which has the same defect.
4. Separation of powers and balance of powers by our constitution puts certain functions in the hands of each branch of the government. The judiciary has the function of deciding whether laws are constitutional. This does not make our government a "judiocracy."
5. It only seems like "all" the important decisions are being made by our Judiciary because that is only branch of the government that is consistently functioning as designed. If the other branches of government did their jobs as well, we'd have much better government, and a more-balanced sharing of power. (My perception is that the Executive Branch has, under our current governor, usurped all the power. So obviously, your point is also subject to indivual perception.)
6. You complain about bogus lawsuits, but bogus means unfounded. If the grounds for challenge are substantial--as in laws that violate the real meaning of separation of powers, then the lawsuit wouldn't be bogus at all. The real bogus lawsuit is the current federalization lawsuit that is costing us $400,000 (or more); and that is another reason we need the Legislature to step up and enact a budget--to stop this kind of spending.
7. I agree that the AG's office is underfunded, as is the Public Defender's Office (and MLSC, and many other components of a fair and open justice system).
8. I don't know of any corrupt judges.
I know of charges against Dave Wiseman from years ago that were never proven and did not prevent the Senate from confirming his nomination (even though raised again during the nomination process). I know of different allegations made in the newspapers against Justice Castro and Judge Govendo, each by disgruntled lawyers with proceedings before these respective judges at the time--none of the allegations proven, none persuasuive evidence of corruption in my opinion. Perhaps there are other allegations.
But writing on a blog that our judges and justices are corrupt is libelous, and completely unfounded.
9. In my experience, our judicial system is one of the better components of our constitutional system of government. Even if it weren't, though, that is no reason for a Legislator to make a lame excuse that is illogical and inconsistent with the law, offered as an explanation for his voting against a budget.
10. You say there are worse things than not having a budget. Undoubtedly this is true, but we're not aiming for the worst, are we? Do we want to sink into the mire of how absolutely bad we can get? I think we're trying to have a government that functions as it should.
And that means the Legislature must manage its fiscal responsibilities and enact a budget that becomes law, that acts as a blue print for government spending, programs, priorities.
That's the point of my letter.
Jane Mack Fan Club President said, on 3/10/2009 3:49:00 AM
Saipan Writer, after your letter to the editor, and these latest posts, I have become your number one fan.
And by the way, the anon above sounds suspiciously like a certain person from the AGO's (whoops -- OAG's) office that I know.
Today's headline is that Governor Fitial vetoed the budget again. Of course he did--it doesn't give him what he wants. He wants unlimited reprogramming authority. He wants austerity Fridays. He wants as little oversight as possible and as much power in his hands as he can get.
The current situation gives him room to maneuver. He can claim severe economic crisis to deny those he doesn't like, and still pay huge attorney fees for a federalization lawsuit, manage subsidies for "volunteers" and do other perky things.
A real budget, backed by a legislature doing its job and keeping tabs on how the money is spent, could be a set-back.
Will our Legislature have the intelligence and back-bone to override Governor Fitial's veto? Senator Frica Pangelinan seems supportive of an override. Her comments shed light on some issues and help decode some of the political statements--the Legislature's budget does make cuts, but in a more thoughtful way, a more specific way, than across the board austerity Fridays.
Representative Tina Sablan seems ready, too. Her comments point to the hypocrisy of the current situation, where some agencies continue to have fluff jobs at an endless rate of growth, for friends of the governor.
This is the same Legislature that failed to override the veto in January 2009. Voting against the override in January 2009:
David M. Apatang Oscar Babauta Joseph James N. Camacho Francisco Dela Cruz Raymond D. Palacios Justo S. Quitugua Ramon A. Tebuteb Stanley Torres
And not voting (absent)
Edwin P. Aldan Victor Hocog
You can verify the list at J.J. Camacho's website--just look for the override vote on HB-16-169.
We need to AT LEAST take one step at a time, in the right direction. We need to do what is right.
I applaud the Saipan Tribune for its daily front page ticker on how long we've gone without a budget. I applaud the 10 Representatives who voted to override the veto last month. I applaud the Senators who speak out on the issue.
This is a very important issue. We need a budget. We need a budget. We need a budget.
We need our Legislature to override the Governor's veto, if that's what it takes to get a budget. And that is what it takes. Otherwise, the "budget" the Governor wants is nothing more than carte blanche-not a budget but a free rein.
Some of our elected leaders are making noises that they may actually override the veto this time. But of course, others still want to support our Governor! What about supporting the people? What about doing what is right? What about having some guts?
I agree (for once) with the comments by Heinz Hofschneider. We need a budget more than we need endless debate on the benefits and detriments of austerity Fridays.
Override the veto.
(And if you want to fix the US budget problems at the same time, try this budget game and learn something, too.
I think they will override it. Elections are coming up, and it is time to put all the blame on everyone else. And of course, we will see a whole lot of bills and action in the next few months.
Two things we won't see? The Open Government Act and a part-time legislature. When you are above the law, an open government act cannot apply. And a part-time legislature would make too much common and fiscal sense.
Oh well, let's prepare for more empty promises and reasons why the same ol' same ol' should be reelected. Insanity rules!
The Senate has voted to override the veto on the budget-today's headlines. Good news.
Now we need the House, a trickier situation.
I hope they do override the veto, not because I think this is stellar budget, but because WE NEED A BUDGET.
Open Government--wonderful discussion on NPR this morning. Elizabeth Warren, a brilliant woman from Harvard who is chairing the US Congressional oversight committee on budget.., was discussing the problem with Paulson's sale of Bush's bailout to banks--basically telling Congress they would get par value for their purchase of TARP stock & warrants, when in fact they were getting $2 value for $3 spent--when applied to the billion dollar package that means a lot of money given away.
This woman talked about three kinds of Open Government/transparency concepts--1) the technical compliance type where documents (cold, hard, sometimes confusing, meaningless, sometimes with the devil in the details) are disclosed in plain sight-on websites, etc.; 2) the strategic type-seeing the decision-making process; and 3) a third type that she said called for a clearly articulated and honest plan on how we're spending money.
Governor Fitial is proposing across-the-board cuts in government employment. He proposes a 4 day work week, which he wants to get with Legislative approval, but which he will implement in other ways, if he doesn't get such sanction. Without congressional support, the cuts would likely effect fewer employees than with it, but the cuts will definitely be felt.
Ed has already published a critical post on his blog, Marianas Pride.
I do not think our Governor has ever given us the full picture on revenues, so that our Legislature cannot realistically assess the situation and plan a proper budget. I say this because, despite the dire situation as insisted by our Governor, he had no difficulty coming up wiht $400,000 for the federalization lawsuit. That is not chump change.
I suspect the money comes from class-action settlements, or some other source of revenue that has not been disclosed in the projected CNMI revenues for Legislative use in budgeting.
I think our Legislators should be actively supporting Tina Sablan's efforts to find out how the federalization lawsuit is being funded. And they should be demanding an accounting of all money, no matter how it finds its ways into the government till. And I think the Governor should not be able to spend money without Legislative authorization.
But all of that said, I think we need to assess the idea of a 4-day work week independently of the proponent, independently of the professed reason for it. I'm not fan of Governor Fitial, but that doesn't mean I am going to automatically disagree with everything he says and does.
For example, in the U.S., about 16% of city governments have 4-day work week options. City government agencies in Maryland, Indiana, Oklahoma, Washington state,and Arizona have started using the 4 day work week. Utah has recently mandated the 4-day work week on a state-wide basis, according to a July 2008 USA news report. Closer to home, Hawaii has also experimented with the 4-day work week.
What positives come from a 4-day work week? When utilized on a large scale, the effect is staggering. The most notable is an improvement in our "carbon footprint" as fewer people are commuting to work. You can read some of the math computations and information in this article about 16 reasons in support of the 4-day work week.
What about the personal loss of income from reduced hours? Some of the 4-day work week programs still provide for 40 hour weeks, just divided up into 4 days-so workers would work 10 hours/day rather than 8. But some of the proposals, on the table or implemented, reduces hours and contend that 4 days/32 hours produces the same amount of productivity over time as a 5-day week of 40 hours, because workers become more productive with the freedom to have time off. And greater productivity, greater savings on energy, means that employers can actually pay more per hour.
But the 4-day work week is a very happening topic now, with both private businesses and small governments opting for this choice, despite the concerns.
Should we jump on the bandwagon? Well, no. But should we consider and research and discuss the idea seriously?
I think so.
jmho.
0 Comments on 4-day Work Week? as of 1/1/1900
Anonymous said, on 1/31/2009 1:44:00 AM
Never underestimate the cleverness of the government worker. Here is a typical week:
Monday-Hangover day a paid sick day. Tue.- In to work, but dragging ass Wed.- Layna do I have to work today? Thurs. This is really a Friday. Fri.- Work? You got to be kidding this is Friday getting ready for the weekend.Save some work for next week.
Here is a typical workday- Clock-in at 7:30 am. Damn that biometric time clock, now I can't have my co-workers time me in. 8:00 am Get some coffee Read the paper online. Check e-mails, phone home tie up gov phone lines. 9:00 am Gotta have a betelnut break. Lanya.. bitch to co-workers..Fitial is cutting our hours. Won't vote for him this time. 10:00 am Start cooking some rice and spam for lunch.Phone home. Order lunch from the pinay girls for Magasa. 10:30 deliver gov files at Leg. Bureau, drop by auntie's pick up puga and populo leaves. 11:00 am Lanya missed my cofee break, so stand out side spit some betelnut juice over the railing. 11:30 am Time out for lunch. 12:30 Time in. Go back finish the rice and leftovers. 1:00 pm Check e-mails. Actually do some simple tasks. 2:00 pm Gotta have a break. 3:00 pm Damn gotta do this shit for Magasa.Oh, gotta phone home Rosary still on tonight. 4:00 Pass around collection letter for my primo's heart operation. 4:10 pm Phone home. 4:15 Have a break... Layana the coffee is cold. 4:30 pm Oh look it's time to go home! Time out right on 4:30 not 4:31 or 4:32!!!!
So...... a 4-day work week then turns into a 3-day work week. Wanna bet on this?
Anon, The government workers like the one you describe are the ones who should be cut from payroll.
I know many others who are working hard and earning their pay, some are even underpaid based on what they do.
Fixing the system will also bring accountability and respect to the much-maligned CNMI government worker.
Anonymous said, on 1/31/2009 3:59:00 PM
SP, the problem is.. the much- maligned gov worker is very often much-aligned with the party in power in one way or another. The longterm deadwood have been around so long there is a serious sense of entitlement. The next party, and the present party will not be re-elected, should do an independent aduit on all gov workers. Look at the sick leave rate, keep vehicle logs to review missuse of gov vehicles, acutual work accomplished, get rid of those deputy positions, ensure all Secretary's are qualified for their positions prior to confirmation. In other words treat them like the private sector. Yes, it will be very painful. Look at many families that work or worked in the private sector. It is a tough world out there and it will get tougher.
The governator (of California) is proposing two day furloughs each month for gov workers. Don't know yet if the Legislature will go for it.
PS If the gov't could pay more they might get more work-focused people. Certainly when I worked at state universities people worked hard... I had 4500 students in my caseload at a state U, which was almost the entire student body at the private university I'd worked at... And all of us worked hard, at both places... it just wasn't possible for me to get my job done at the SU in 40 hours, even on the days I hit the ground running and didn't have time to read the paper online. FYI. And in CA, state U emps are not exactly state employees but are seen as same. /sigh
Several studies have shown that European countries with shorter work hours and fewer workdays are actually more productive than American workers. That being said.. they also get paid well and in many cases have amazing vacation and other benefits. I would not want thousands of people out for a whole day where the European models aren't the case.. the crime rate will skyrocket.
captain said, on 2/3/2009 3:38:00 AM
Another thing that most private sectors have is only a few paid holidays.
Also two weeks of paid vacation time. The total of accumulative vacation time stops at 4 weeks. "Use it or lose it" Sick leave is also not carried over, a max of two weeks accumulated a year.Every year everyone starts at 3 days, the accumulative days are taken away. Every sick day has to have a doctors certificate and billing.
In the past some of the larger companies like Defense Contractors used to purchase our vacation time and left over sick leave at the end of the year. Years ago this was stopped on many companies. I do not know if any big companies are still doing it. When I was in the service we had to use our regular leave time, we could not cary over. There also was not any "make up time for missed days or hours. They where gone if you took off or did not show up for work. Comp time was not permitted either. Most of this was done, beside cutting overall operating cost, to also keep administrative exspenses at a minimum and put everybody on the same level, on retirement or termination.
great cartoon again Jane. you seriously should consider partnering with one or both of the papers. humor may be a very effective tool.
Thomas Jefferson : "Ridicule is the only weapon which can be used against unintelligible propositions."
on matters of this budget. the house majority and senate came to an agreement late Friday. they went with 10 hours and 10 unpaid holidays. they were posed to meet on Saturday at 2pm to go through the motions and pass it. everyone knew it was a done deal.
so what happened on Saturday? before 2pm the governor called the house majority leaders into his office. he had them there until close to 5pm (delaying the session and keeping the public waiting). in that meeting he threatened the majority leaders if they went ahead with that agreement. 16 hours or nothing.
like the loyal idiots they did as they were told.
the governor has his hands grasped around the majority's nads so tightly that they need his permission to take a piss.
My preference would be to cut positions, not hours. It is better to cut specific programs rather than reduce the overall effectiveness of the entire government.
I do not think the government should exist to give everyone a job. The government should exist to create the conditions that leads to job creation.
Thanks anon and Angelo.
The Tribune's breaking story gives some of the flavor of what happened, anon--though not with quite the clarity of your comment.
Agreed, Angelo. But there are an awfully lot of voters who disagree and think the government should be in the business of providing jobs... It's an uphill battle to change that mentality.
Exactly. But the government cannot create jobs.
If you work for the government, you are a parasite on the CNMI economy, taking money that should be in the pockets of business owners and workers.
Anon-who exactly were the House majority leaders that the Governor called in to pressure?
Ray Basa and a couple of the others in and out of the Governor's office from just before 2pm till close to 6pm.
From what I hear the earlier, Friday deal was struck when the Lt. Governor worked with Senate and House. They all agreed until the Governor found out the next day and spoiled it with his my way or the highway attitude.
Meeting right now too. All present up on the hill with the exception of Basa, Froilan and Fitial. Lt. Governor is there.
People need to realize that these three people really don't give a damn. I hope people are not easily bought this time.
Unofficial special meeting started at 7:15pm and is still going after Midnight.