Issues On The Commonwealth

Vol. 1 Issue No. 2

Taitano Embraces Change and Faces Challenges for the CNMI1 3

7 9Saving CNMI

Independent Republicans Speaks out!

Going Prepaid or Not?

Precinct 1 Independent Republican candidate, Mariano Taitano shares his view on what he intends to look at if voted into the 18th Legislature.

Optimistic about his chances of being seated in the race for a seat in the precinct, Mr. Taitano expresses his devout interest in seeing change in the Commonwealth, and in particular, a few areas he men-tioned that shed light on his standpoint if elected.

He recognizes the governments financial condition is in dire straits and has elected to offer some ideas on where he thinks he can contrib-ute if seated.

“If I make it through November 6th, the common sense approach is to downsize the over-bloated government,” states Taitano.

Taitano expresses the need to downsize the current government. Knowing full well that it is with the peoples voice indicating the jest of a government too large that resources cannot afford. This includes the downsizing of the Legislature in which has been on talks for several years.

Some of the ideas set forth may not be the popular ones to consider as he is vying for a seat in the House. But it is with intent that the com-munity sees that an individual who is seeking a seat recognizes what needs to be done and his bravery for stating his views is a respectable one at that.

Taitano expresses deeply the need to introduce or support a bill allowing the CNMI Legislature to go on a part-time basis with each leg-islator’s annual salary capped reasonably as well with office needs and expenses.

The intent to save the government funding and swaying funds to-wards the Public School System and the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation.

One of the unpopular initiatives he wants to consider is the amend-ment of Article III Section 20 of the Commonwealth Constitution. Thus allowing legislature the flexibility to reduce or improve retirement ben-efits.

Adding to such would be the repealing or amending the omnibus bill for legal adoption of children, disability retirement annuity, re-employed retirees pursuant to Public Law 15-70, overtime/comptime hours, plus many more pertaining to Public Law 6-17, Northern Mari-ana Islands Retirement Act of 1988.

He also wishes to challenge in the court of law the allowance by the Board of Trustees retirement benefits to non-members of the program despite the law repealing such entitlement. Specifically, PL6-17 initially allowed retirement benefits to individuals who served as commission/board members without even contributing a penny into the program and upon attaining 62 years of age and at least 10 years of commission/board membership such benefits are extended to them.

CNMIWith Public Law 13-60 repealed the allowance of this benefit on De-

cember 5, 2003, but the Board of Trustees went ahead and approve the benefit despite the initial denial by the Director of Member Services Branch since the Administrator was in conflict with the claimant.

Elect hopeful Mariano Taitano is a former employee of the NMI Re-tirement Fund for over 28 years and while understanding the ins and outs of the fund, he sees the need to repeal or amend benefits that continue to dwindle resources from the already cash-strapped and de-mised Retirement Fund.

The uncertainty of the fund lingers with great despair from its mem-bers.

“Anybody can form an opinion of me, good or bad, it is what needs to be done and every step taken towards rebuilding the CNMI, is upon the people who are elected and are entrusted by the people to do what is right,” adds Taitano.

Ideally, the CNMI is a fine locale for solar and wind power gen-eration. Taitano seeks to also put into legislation the opportunity for households to avail of a loan through the Marianas Public Land Trust. Enabling resources available to strengthen independence from grid power by the CUC and allowing consumers the option to consider al-ternative energy in their homes.

“Introducing a bill allowing MPLT to set aside 5 Million dollars to be used as a loan program for residents to gear their homes with alterna-tive energy options. This will enable families to save more on utility charges,” adds Taitano.

Taitano also sees the need to put more backing behind sports-tourism. Exploring options to enhance the islands as the sports mecca for athletes professional and amateur is and has always been a golden point for the islands.

“Aside from what we already enjoy with Xterra, Tagaman Triathlon, Hell in the Marianas, there is more that can be done if the infrastruc-ture is available. If elected, I will seek support from grant writers to find funds that can be solely used for rejuvenation and redevelopment of sports complexes on the island,” comments Taitano.

“If grants can be given to Mr. Bob Jones as such the $25 Million for a beautiful Section 8 housing complex, then surely we can find money for renovations and/new complexes and fields that will build on sports-tourism,” adds Taitano.

November mid-terms is fast approaching and candidates are mak-ing their stance, their move on getting their platforms, ideas, promises heard.

“I am in for a change. I truly hope to see Precinct 1 voters vote my fellow Independent Republicans as well myself into office. We stand united for the people and we offer a choice,” comments Taitano.

M. Taitano, Precinct 1 Candidate

1 VOICE CNMI

It is deeply heartbreaking to see our islands crumble and at the same time watch as our so-called leaders twiddle their fingers in hopes

that some kind of miracle will occur. We have way too many lawmakers for such a small population. This is the biggest problem. The political infighting oftentimes takes precedence over the betterment of our islands. Why do we allow them to do this? We need to push for a part-time AND reduced legislature. We are spending way too much on our legislature and getting very little in return.

For far too long, we the voters have allowed these politicians to dic-tate our future rather than act on the people’s wishes. Like the casino initiative, for example. Not too long ago, we voted against it. And yet some of them still want to force it down our throats. It is outrageous and disrespectful!

There is a reason why we have three branches in our government. The executive, legislative and judicial branches are meant to keep each other in check and balance their powers. First grade students are learn-ing this in school and yet some of our lawmakers don’t understand this concept. Why do many of them act as the Governor’s puppets instead

So what’s in it for me, or better yet what’s in it for my kids, and their kids and so on? That’s easy, I’ve learned ever since I was a “young know it all”, that it’s what you put into it that will deter-

mine what you’ll get out of it. Like being a registered voter in the CNMI for instance. How and who I’m going to vote for all depends on me and my wife and our DNA code.

Since our Mothers and Fathers knew what was best for us, they gave us the perfect DNA Code, a code that we would have to respect and live by, a code that under any circumstances cannot be broken, a code of “do as I did”, a code of “do as I say” a code of ethics that you can reference, a code of…well you get the picture. Now, my voting deci-sion for a particular politician will not be exempt from my DNA code and here’s why.

First, if you do not speak the fluent spoken word of our culture, Chamorro, Carolinian or English without any hesitation, if you stutter or have a lapse of reasoning, but not limited to senior moments, if you cannot communicate with our island community, if you cannot stand alone and capture my acceptance of controversial understanding, you are not in my DNA code.

Secondly, if you are weak, and by this I mean, unhealthy, not well, unfortunately sick or just plain lazy with no interest of seeking a better you or others, to build, to create, to diversify, to develop, to provide solutions, to support change to have that win-win philosophy, I mean

of being “Representatives” of the people? We must vote for lawmakers who independent minded and strong believers in the people.

As much as we expect more from our public officials, we shall also expect more from ourselves as residents of these beautiful islands. Now more than ever, we must stay abreast with all the issues surround-ing us and how our officials are handling them. In the coming weeks, please do your homework on these candidates. Find out their history (experience and education) and most especially their platform and ideas on how to resolve the issues plaguing our islands.

We’ve always been a peaceful and friendly people. That must never change. What does need to change is how we elect our leaders and what we expect from them. We must NOT vote for those who will give us gas money and pay for our CUC bill. Rather, we must elect those who will work on making public transportation here a reality and lower our utility rates. “Give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime.”

It is about time we demand respect from our public officials. Just as we respect our elders, we must also respect our environment, neigh-bors and family.

let’s face it your representing a culture, you have to look your best, your sharpest display of confidence. If you cannot provide this to my family and I, then you’re not in my DNA code

Third, you must exemplify the highest level of Public Service to me and my family, and to everyone that you serve in the Common-wealth Islands, Saipan, Rota, Tinian and even Guam, the sister island that we support through environmental and humanitarian projects as well. Also, if you have never met me why would you even expect my support, more importantly if you never once wanted to know what my family’s needs are, or call on me to serve you for the good of the people (cause I will hold you accountable my friends) then why on earth would you want my vote. I’ll tell you why, because you’re not in my DNA code.

Fourth, if you do not recognize greatness, how will you know what and who you are? There are way too many unfair practices in a gov-ernment, nepotism, greed, corruption, agendas, sabotage, and the list goes on, and if you support or nurture this environment, then you’re not in my DNA Code

The Fifth and final act has to deal with the level of stupidity one ignorant person could tolerate, from another self righteous, self de-praved, person of trying to dazzle them with brilliance or baffling with nonsense, well, then I guess you’re not in my DNA code.

DNA!

By: Ron Atalig Muna

By: Curtis DancoeAsLito

VOICE CNMI 2

Speaks out!

An 11 member Independent Republ ican (IR) slate for the up-coming No-

vember 6, 2012 elections seek their bid in the lower House. With the expected voters and their alignment with the Covenant party candidates, their intent is to control the majority and bring in their action to the table.

“Having all candidates elected into office is vital to controlling the lower House of Repre-sentatives. The change for the CNMI is dependent on voters to have all IR seated as well the alignment of individuals from the Covenant party,” states IR Chairman Pete P. Reyes.

Senator Pete P. Reyes assumed Chairmanship of the IR slate for the 2012 mid-term election. Senator Reyes, alongside Diego T. Benavente, who chairs precinct one, is adamant that in order for change, there is need to place quality leadership opposing the current majority. A new control is needed for the CNMI.

Senator Reyes has been an active advocate for the people both as a former Representative in the House as well as in the Senate. Throughout his career, he has envisioned a better CNMI through education, and with that he places without restriction his complete earned salary as a legislator to educational scholarships. His office lacks a door and is proclaimed the “Office of the People” ensuring it remains available to anyone who seeks assistance or has issues to discuss that would contribute to the betterment of the CNMI as a whole. He leads with excep-tional qualities and experience that would further play a significant role with the IR’s in their quest for control of the House.

“Independent Republicans (IR) is a choice, people are not happy with the current state of our Commonwealth from the current leadership, and change of leadership is needed,” states IR Chairman of Precinct 1, Diego T. Benavente.

IR slate candidates vying for their seat in the election vow to make changes that would impact the Commonwealth for the people and they noted that their leadership envisions a respectable and quality reform required to pass important legislation that would support the economy and the livelihood of the people.

Having all candidates elected into of-fice is vital to controlling the lower House of Representatives. The change for the CNMI is dependent on voters to have all IR seated as well the alignment of indi-viduals from the Covenant party.

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“Leadership control is needed with the IR’s. It is imperative to give and provide quality leadership for the House of Representatives,” states Incumbent Joseph P. Deleon Guerrero, IR member for re-election.

In Precinct 1 Congressman Joe Pinaula Deleon Guerrero, Congressman Tony Pangelinan Sablan, Congresswoman Janet Maratita, Roman Cepeda Benavente and Mariano Taitano for the IR slate go toe-to-toe against six (6) GOP members and one (1) Covenant party member.

In Precinct 2, the IR’s have none running under them, but are in support of the Covenant party led by Congressman Ralph Sablan Demapan. Hopeful candidate under the Covenant party John Paul Palacios Sablan also seeks his bid to be seated. The Covenant party goes up against two (2) GOP members and two (2) Independent hopefuls.

In Precinct 3, Congressman Ray Angailen Tebuteb, Congressman Frank Santos Dela Cruz, Tony Tenorio Benavente and Ralph Naraja Yumul all under the IR slate are up against a large contingent of hopefuls and current Vice Speaker Ogumoro with the GOP. Precinct 3 is a crowded race as many GOP members, Independent and Covenant party members seek a first time term in office.

In Precinct 4, IR’s are supporting the candidacy of Chris Leon Guerrero and Jess Igisomar Wabol. They are up against two (2) GOP members seeking reelection.

Precinct 5 IR’s are Larry Iglecias Deleon Guerrero and Tony Agulto Reyes against two (2) GOP members, One (1) Independent and one (1) Democrat.

For the senatorial seat, IR’s are fully supporting Congressman Ray Naraja Yumul and have pledged their support for Gregorio “Kilili” Sablan’s reelection bid for Washington Delegate.

The House of Representative’s lack of collaboration has stifled legislative movement. Power plays impeded progress over the past two years hindering possible growth of the CNMI. There is a continued spiral decline in government revenues to support health care, safety, tourism, education as well other means necessary for the people of the Commonwealth.

The current leadership in the house dominated by the Administrations patrons, and the Independent Republicans, who mainly consist of the House Minority Block looks on to im-proving the Commonwealth’s currents state, and as stated, were only to be blocked or delayed by the Majority.

“Relationship with the Executive Branch prevents important legislation to move forward. The House Majority are reliant on the administrations view points first and foremost hindering passage of legislation that are needed for the Commonwealth and making the Governor their primary interest,” adds Diego Benavente.

Caption:Independent Repub-lican Candidates Pre-cinct 1 hold a street

waiving campaign on Wednesday, Septem-

ber 26, 2012 from 7am-8:30am. Seek-

ing reelection are incumbents Joseph

P. Deleon Guerrero, Antonio Sablan and

Janet Maratita. Roman Benavente

and Mariano Taitano seek a seat this com-

ing November with the IR’s.

Absentee VotersOver 1,300 absentee voters are

registered with the Elections Com-mission Office as of October 5, 2012. 120 absentee voter ballots were sent on October 10, 2012 and every 2 to 3 days, the Election Commission Office sends out more.

In approximate numbers, there are about 6,000+ voters outside the Commonwealth, but only a small per-centage is registered with the Com-mission. Absent voters must register in order to vote in the upcoming mid-term elections and may do so at: HYPERLINK http://www.votecnmi.gov.mp/downloads/Request_for_Ab-sentee_Voting_Application.pdf

“We anticipate to have at least 1,200 to 1,600 registered absentee voters by the October 12 deadline. And our of-fice continues to send out these ab-sentee voter packets every 2-3 days to insure that our voters get the packet in time. For more information, voters may go online at: HYPERLINK http://www.votecnmi.gov.mp and review or track the current absentee voter reg-istrations to keep informed,” states Robert A. Guerrero, Executive Direc-tor Commonwealth Elections Com-mission

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When you become part of something, in some way you count. It could be a march; it could be a rally, even a brief one...

5 VOICE CNMI

You’re part of something, and you suddenly realize you count. To count is very important.

Studs Terkel

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In the years of plenty, the island economy soared. Businesses gained profits, government gained a budget that aghast opportunities for employment, retirement benefits, stable health care, enforcement personnel at its highest.

Today, the debt crisis of the CNMI government is no different from larger governments in larger countries. Saving the CNMI from its finan-cial woes has become a concern from the people of the Commonwealth.

“The financial issues related to inept governments are a worldwide problem and the CNMI is not special in that respect”, Douglas A. Bren-nan, Saipan Chamber of Commerce President.

CNMI businesses have taken major steps to staying business. Adapta-tion to the financial situation in the islands has businesses reducing hours of their workforce, reducing power consummation and looking at their bottom line ever-so-closely.

While the CNMI population dwindles, its businesses find it harder to remain open. As the economy continues on its downward spiral of bleakness, innovation and action plans heed the moment and in many cases have placed strain on the worker – reduced hours or laid off.

“Saipan Chamber of Commerce members have repeatedly voiced the need for a healthy private sector, as a means toward building a stable economy”, adds Brennan.

In many cases, the government looks at increasing taxes to fill the void. This has an adverse action. Increasing taxes is a quick fix to the impeded need, but does not provide long term stability for the econo-my. Funds run out and the thinking of governments worldwide has the same function “Use up the budget provided”, hence bankruptcy.

Godfrey Bloom, a former Financial Economist and current member of the European Parliament shares his opinions on government spend-ing, government use of funds and the arrogance of using money you

cannot raise in taxation. His clip may be seen on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnGxfrWaqP8&feature=related.

“These countries are broke and are broke because of their own stu-pid leaders and politicians. It is immoral to ask ordinary tax payers of any country to pick up the tab for failed politicians and failed banks. They are defaulted and broke, for god’s sake, let all of us admit it!”, Godfrey Bloom.

The “spend it or lose it” government attitude on budget clearly is an indication that a more real approach should be done to effectuate change in the Commonwealth. The government needs to be prudent when spending its resources and they should look at the reality of what is truly available.

While some lawmakers see increasing taxes as the tactful and only thing to do, it is not the solution! When a government increases taxes, a domino effect is engaged. The mechanism is simple. Taxes are tagged on consumers, thus, a harder living in the Commonwealth. Every man and woman will grieve with the new cost of living. Prime example is the rise of crude oil. No one person is less subjected to its cost, every-one adjust accordingly. In efforts to maintain government budgets, it is imperative that a stable and healthy private sector be maintained and lifted. The intention is not to cause demise and more hardship whereas more businesses close doors. Should the private sector flourish, public sector will expand on its resources.

Quick fixesOur island economy is based on one revenue-generating ideal –

Tourism. It is tourism that will fuel the economy with funds, there is a need to step up with support and innovative means of developing the industry into higher yield opportunities.

Steps to ensuring growth in tourism starts with everyone and a list of

CNMISaipan Chamber of Commerce members

have repeatedly voiced the need for a healthy private sector, as a means toward building a stable economy.

Doug Brennan

7 VOICE CNMI

ideas have been received by both the public and private and are worthy of being looked at seriously.

• Claiming ownership of surroundings would do the CNMI a tremen-dous facelift. Government should acknowledge that the public proper-ties in which they control and are cleaned and maintained by businesses should not be fined or disparage them from continuing to maintain and use public property for gain of beautification, hence no structure built on the property itself. Businesses should always maintain their clean and professional appearance. And Personal dwellings should be main-tained and not be left as an eyesore.

• Road medians and walkways should be regularly maintained and not left to overgrown vegetation. Walkways should be lighted to main-tain safety and security so visitors and the CNMI populace would enjoy its beautiful scenery.

Maintaining the islands appearance in all facets will create an am-biance suitable for our visitors to enjoy. As an example, the Paseo de Marianas - as beautiful as it was meant to be - is not visitor friendly. It is usually left with rubbish and its water fountains do not even spit out water, in essence they have become the spit zone for betelnut chewers. Our visitors are prone to seeing this in disgust, yet we take no pride to ensuring that the investment at Paseo de Marianas and its fountains are maintained for its sole purpose.

Saving Government financesCreating a business-like form of financial accountability for each

person in the government is necessary. Wasteful spending must be stopped to prevent continued deficit and loss to the government rev-enue. Reduction in government workforce is mandatory in today’s economic situation. The current budget at hand cannot sustain the number of employees it operates with.

“If the government operated in a business-like manner over the past few decades, many of the issues facing us today would be at least toler-able”, adds Brennan.

The expanse of the tax payers on a bloated government with lack of financial resources will succumb to added problems for the CNMI. Safety, health care, retirement, tourism, education all face dire conse-quences with the current budgets allocated. At best, the health care system will see a major cut in budget, hence the need to back track unpaid billings, the MPLT loan and the meager $1.9M budget from the government, the populace wonders how safe is our health care system and whether they can maintain the needs of the Commonwealth.

“Get back on track! Clean up the act! The government should be on the same page as the economy”, jest Brennan.

19% arrivals in tourism SKEWEDThe percentage in which the Commonwealth through its tourism

arm the Marianas Visitors Authority indicated as positive growth for the islands arrivals from its tourism market sources is skewed. Only to be compared against the same period last year when the Tsunami devas-tated Japan. Although positive, the 19% is based at a time of atrocity causing a major ripple in Japan’s economy and the livelihood of many. However, if numbers were based at the CNMI hay days of tourism, this 19% would be in the negative. From experiences in the past, CNMI ar-rivals plunge when major issues affect travel such as SARS and Mad Cow diseases. The fear of contracting illnesses or any major natural disaster has tremendously impacted the CNMI arrivals.

“Keeps facts accurate, let’s deal with reality. Get rid of the spin doc-

tors”, Brennan adds sternly.Focused on tourism, there is a light, but this would entail a focus

on developing the niche. For years, the Chamber of Commerce, MVA and the Government worked collaboratively to finding more means to developing tourism. Tourism niche market segments that are viable to our Commonwealth are not neglected by any party, but the accommo-dations to tap each niche market segment falls on lack of budgetary requirements for marketing to make that impact.

Turning the CNMI into a higher yield destination could very well fall on the silver retiree niche market segment. With recent findings, Bren-nan shared a section within the immigration regulations. This allows for Guam or CNMI-Only non-immigrant visa categories under the im-migration and nationality act. A consideration that may include, but are not limited to special non-immigrant status for investors, students and retirees.

The section:(c) Special Nonimmigrant Categories for Guam and the Common-

wealth of the Northern Mariana Islands- The Governor of Guam and the Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (referred to in this subsection as ‘CNMI’) may request that the Secre-tary of Homeland Security study the feasibility of creating additional Guam or CNMI-only nonimmigrant visas to the extent that existing nonimmigrant visa categories under the Immigration and National-ity Act do not provide for the type of visitor, the duration of allowable stay, or other circumstance. The secretary of Homeland Security may review such request, and, after consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Interior, shall issue a report to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate and the Committee on Natural resources and the Com-mittee on Judiciary of the House of Representatives with respect to the feasibility of creating those additional Guam or CNMI-only visa cat-egories. Consideration of such additional Guam or CNMI-only visa categories may include, but are not limited to, special nonimmigrant statuses for investors, students, and retirees, but shall not include non-immigrant statuses for the purpose of employment in Guam or the CNMI.

Great opportunities can be seen if the consideration of retirees is granted and the CNMI capitalizes on it. New money from this segment would allow the CNMI to emerge from its slumped economy. Business-es can flourish given the niche segment that can attribute to millions of dollars for the Commonwealth.

Chamber President Brennan indicated that if the CNMI attracted 1/4 of 1% of the retiring Japanese that would relate to about 75,000 warm bodies. The CNMI cannot handle 75K warm bodies at its given situation, but 40K is doable and with that an expected expense per month around $4,000.00 would bring forth $80M in generated revenue circulated in the CNMI, with that, 5% BGRT of $4M a year to the government.

The Japan Census report indicates age brackets 55 years and up is a significant number. The ideal concept of attracting these retirees will offer more jobs and other services. The Government will be able to adjust the public services in all aspects for a better CNMI, but that all has to take place with the first steps of attracting and marketing to this niche segment.

“Tourism is a multi-faceted industry. By targeting this segment, the CNMI can become a high-yield tourism destination”, adds Brennan.

VOICE CNMI 8

The misconception of going prepaid versus the standard issued me-ters found in most homes operates the same way with the same rates. Ideally, saving on utility cost is high on each residential home and busi-ness alike.

“No meters have different rates, they are all the same”, states Cama-cho.

CUC continuously looks towards technology. Sourcing out better options for consumers and finding efficient means to operate in gen-eral will help the CNMI consumers overall.

It was 5 years when the first prepaid meters arrived on Saipan, it was 2 years later when the first installation was placed. And over 2000 prepaid meters are now installed CNMI wide. Another 500 applications pending installation as new meters have not arrived on Saipan.

CUC has issued advertisements on an RFP to purchase 1,000 units of the new ITRON, U.S. Made meters for the Commonwealth. These new meters are more advanced and have dual purpose. It can go on the regular monthly reading base or go on prepaid for which option the customer wishes to use.

The ITRON meters are so advanced that they are controlled via the Internet as well. They can be adjusted to meet the necessary power usage a customer so desires, disconnected or reconnected online through the touch a finger and is considered to be top notch technol-ogy out today.

CUC Clarifies the Misconceptions of the People

Current prepaid meters are purchased from Australia and with the shift of new technology, these ITRON meters cost $340.00 per unit and are more than the ones purchased from Australia, but its operating system is more conducive to CUC

“People were apprehensive of new technology. Most were not posi-tive of the pre-paid meters back then. Word of mouth and outreach expanded the word of the pre-paid meters and from then it soared”, adds Camacho.

When asked about the misconception, Camacho explains that it is merely- knowing. The conventional meter is hard to read and under-stand. Billings are provided every 30 days and it is calculated based on the number of days whereas, pre-paid is used on what is available.

“In most cases, it’s the 5 feet rule. When on the conventional meters, if your 5-feet away from a light switch, you don’t necessarily bother with turning it off, but when you know your meter hours and its de-pleting, that 5-feet rule does not apply, you simply make the effort to turn off the switch”, expressed Camacho.

“Efficiency is what consumers should consider. Conservation and efficiency are two different things. Being efficient by utilizing energy saving units such as AC’s, refrigerators, and light bulbs would make a significant reduction on utility consumption while maintaining your lifestyle”, says Gary Camacho, CUC Power Division Manager.

Efficiency is what consumers should consider and conserva-tion and efficiency are two dif-ferent things

Gary Camacho, CUC Power Division Manager

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Pork Baby Back Ribs- $7.00/half slab

VOICE CNMI 10

Please VOTEGregorio KililiCamacho Sablan

WORKS FOR YOU

Paid for by Kilili for CONGRESSP.O. Box 502924 Saipan, MP 96950 • Tel. No.: 234-VOTE (8683) • www.kililiforcongress.com • Email: info@kililiforcongress.com

which raises Pell grants for 898 NMI college students up to $5,975 by 2017. NMC is also receiving $7.5 million over ten years in College Access Challenge Grants to help low-income students enter and succeed at college. Student borrowers will also have their payments capped at 10 percent of income beginning in 2014; after 20 years any loan balance will be forgiven.

Building local grants abilities: 130 people benefited from the grants

workshop hosted by Congressman Sablan. Federal grants and other spending—$220 million in fiscal year 2010—are now greater than the revenues of the CNMI government. So it is more important than ever to have trained grant writers and managers.

Doubling slots at the U.S. Service Academies: There are now twice as many opportunities for cadets from the Northern Marianas at West Point, Annapolis, and Colorado Springs as a result of Congressman Sablan’s amendment in the 2010 National Defense Authorization Act.

Let’s Read Project: Readers need books. That’s why your congressional office has shipped over 15,000 books from the Library of Congress to public and school libraries in the Northern Marianas.

Building infrastructure… Closer to 24-hour water: CUC reports over 80 percent of Saipan homes have

24-hour water, thanks in part to the huge jump in funding from Congress. Before Congressman Sablan was elected we got about $1 million per year for sewer and water. In the three years since he was elected we received $30 million, with another $7 million in the budget for this year — all because of changes in the funding formula Kilili legislated.

Troop store expansion in the works: The Puerto Rico troop store, serving 3,400 Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard personnel, veterans, and families, is scheduled to expand to five times its current size. The $2.44 million project will start this year because of the feasibility study Congressman Sablan included in the 2011 National Defense Authorization Act.

Cleaner air with Inclusion in Diesel Emissions Reduction program: Congressman Sablan’s bill H.R. 2386, including the Northern Marianas in EPA annual grants to clean up diesel engine pollution, was added when the program was reauthorized as Public Law 111-364. This will help CUC use fuel more efficiently, holding down the cost of electricity and keeping our air clean for our own health and the enjoyment of our tourists.

Restoring pride in the NMI… Territorial leadership: After just one term in Congress, the people of the

Northern Marianas have their Congressman holding the Democratic leadership on the House Subcommittee with responsibility for all insular area issues, as well as national ocean, fishery, and wildlife policy.

Local judge appointed to federal bench: For the first time a Northern

Marianas Member of Congress was able to recommend to the President the person who should administer federal law in the Commonwealth. Today, Congressman Sablan’s recommendation sits on the federal bench.

Helping our economy through these tough times… Recovery Act brings $119 million to NMI: One of Congressman Sablan’s

first votes—before Republicans took the vote away—was for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The Act was worth $119 million to the NMI; and $29 million remained to spend as of Mar. 31, 2012. 462 jobs were created or saved. PSS alone received $36 million, saving 99 jobs, and allowing for renovations at every school and laptop computers for high school students.

Visa waiver for Russian and Chinese tourists: An early victory for

Congressman Sablan was getting the Department of Homeland Security to allow tourists from Russia and China to enter the CNMI after the federal government took control of immigration. These tourists accounted for 20 percent of visitor spending; and their numbers continue to grow.

$1.6 million in earmarks and special grants: Congressional Republicans have ended earmarked appropriations, which Kilili used to bring $1.35 million to the NMI for the Joeten-Kiyu Library roof repairs, the Refaluwasch and Chamorro language programs, Northern Marianas Trade Institute, Micronesian Legal Services, PSS for books, and DLNR for a Garapan Public Market and planning for a Marianas Trench Marine National Monument Visitors Center. So, instead, he’s worked with the Department of the Interior to help worthy local groups win technical assistance grants. Among those benefiting are American Red Cross, Ayuda Network, NMPASI, Bridge Project, Chamber of Commerce, Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, Hinemlo Familia, Council for the Humanities, Asia Pacific Academy of Science, the Public School System, Legal Services, and DPS with new uniforms for officers.

Caring for those most in need… $1.50/hour minimum wage increase: While remaining sensitive to

employers in these troubled economic times by legislating a one-year break, Congressman Sablan also stood up for working families by protecting annual minimum wage increases. 50¢ in 2009, 50¢ in 2010, and another 50¢ in September 2012.

Millions more for food stamps: At Congressman Sablan’s request the Agriculture Department has granted an extra $4 million for food stamps. And Sablan’s AYUDA Act will put the NMI in the national program, doubling benefits, so families have more food.

COLA rise for Seniors on Social Security: Kilili worked for cost of living increases for retirees on Social Security and those receiving Supplemental Security Income. He voted for the $250 COLA in 2009 and was an original co-sponsor of the Seniors Protection Act in 2010. This year COLA rose 3.6 percent, about $230 extra for 3,300 people in the NMI.

Making Work Pay tax credit helped NMI wage earners: In addition to direct funding to the CNMI government, the Recovery Act also gave an income tax credit in 2009 and 2010—up to $400 for individuals and $800 for those filing jointly. The Recovery Act provided funds to the CNMI Treasury to cover the cost.

Constituent Services: Over 400 helped. From Social Security, to Veterans Affairs, to Homeland Security, if you have a problem with a federal agency, your congressional office can assist.

Expanding services for the convenience of constituents: In addition to

opening offices on Rota and Tinian – a first – Congressman Sablan has now opened the Susupe office on Saturday mornings for the convenience of those who work weekdays, and set up a Kagman annex at the Kagman Community Center every Wednesday from 1 to 5 p.m.

Increased funding for violence against women and children: The Northern Marianas now gets a state-share of funding as a result of Congressman Sablan’s bill H.R. 4116 that was added to Public Law 111-320, reauthorizing the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act. Funds go to the Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. Sablan also recently got a state-share of funding for the NMI added to the Sexual Assault Service grant program, which has passed the House and waits action by the Senate.

Improving health care… $110 million more for Medicaid: Because we fought for inclusion in

health care reform—all the way to the White House—the Marianas became eligible for $110 million more in Medicaid on July 1, 2011. We have already received $8.1 million, money much needed for our hospital and clinics.

Man’amko get help with drug costs: Seniors who have gone over their Medicare limit but not yet reached catastrophic coverage are now getting extra help paying for prescription drugs. The Affordable Care Act, or “Obamacare,” provides a 50 percent discount on brand name medicines, helping these Northern Marianas Seniors with an average $567 in 2011.

$782 rebate for NMI families with health insurance: “Obamacare” requires insurance companies to spend 80% of the premium they charge on health care for customers, not on sales and salaries or else customers get a rebate. This year, NMI families with insurance get the third highest rebate in the US, because we got our islands into the Affordable Care Act.

Kagman to get Community Health Center: An Affordable Care Act grant of $608,000 will finally make it possible to have a health center providing prenatal, dental, case management, and other basic preventive care right in the heart of Kagman.

Investing in education… “ Edujobs” kept 798 working at PSS: Congressman Sablan was one of 21

original co-sponsors of what became the Jobs for America Act of 2010. The CNMI Public School System received $8.3 million, enough to pay salaries for 798 PSS teachers, librarians, cafeteria workers, bus drivers, maintenance people, and principals for two and a half pay periods—just as local PSS funding was being cut by $7 million.

Making college more affordable: Congressman Sablan was one of 22 original co-sponsors of the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act,

Greetings...You have entrusted me with a great responsibility: to make your life better by working for you in the U.S. Congress.

And worked we have.

We gained a leadership position in the Subcommittee that is responsible for the Northern Mariana Islands and all insular affairs.

We proved we can move bills through the House of Representatives and change U.S. law to benefit our Commonwealth.

We built relationships with other Members of Congress – Republicans and Democrats – that make the difference in getting work done.

We have the experience to solve your problems when you come to your congressional offices – in Washington, Rota, Tinian, Susupe, and Kagman – needing help with social security, veterans affairs, immigration, and every aspect of the federal government.

Now, I ask you for your vote of confidence again.

You have my promise to continue working effectively for you, using all the experience and skill gathered during these first two terms in Congress.

Much work remains to bring the Northern Mariana Islands into full membership in the American political family.

Much work remains to rebuild our economy and restore hope for our future.

By working hard, using what we have learned, we can continue to make life better for you, your family, and everyone in our Commonwealth.

Thank you for your vote on November 6.

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