It's the first day of austerity for some executive branch employees in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Here's a breakdown of the cost-cutting measures as the new administration marks over 100 days in office.
If NMI Lieutenant Governor David Apatang had to give his administration a grade right now, what would that grade be? When posed that very question, he replied, "A+ - A for efforts." That high mark included austerity as Governor Arnold Palacios and Apatang mark their first 100 days in office. Starting today some executive branch employees are on a 72-hour work schedule, reduced from 80 hours.
Palacios said, "It is a very painful thing for us to impose on our community, especially our employees, but that is what is necessary to keep critical government." He added that the islands are still in a fiscal crisis as he prepares to sign the revised budget Tuesday amid the islands' local and American Rescue Plan fund deficit and the next budget due soon.
"Now it is time to move beyond the cost-cutting measures and put together and come up with a plan and implement plans to generate revenue and recover this economy," he shared.
Palacios and Apatang highlighting their major infrastructure projects, cabinet appointments, and fiscal recovery strategy in their first months in the executive seat. The administration also emphasizing that they're re-establishing trust with local and federal partners as they seek financial relief. As they put it, they're focused on "stopping the bleeding."
"We are not leaving any stone unturned at this time," Palacios said.
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