Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Gov. Lemanu Peleti Mauga has set a deadline for Executive Branch agencies to submit required documents for pay adjustments of government employees that went into effect on July 1st this year.

“In a collective effort to fully accommodate all pay adjustments” per general memorandum GM 121-21, “all departments and agencies must complete and submit all requisite documentation before the close of business” this Friday, Nov. 5th, according to the governor’s Oct. 27th memo to executive branch directors.

Lemanu noted that this should allow ample time to prepare documents, route them for signatures and submitted for processing.

“Adjustments for retrograde pay submitted after the aforementioned date will not be processed,” he said and requested directors to “take the necessary action to meet the deadline.”

The governor’s memorandum adopted the new pay scale for career service employees and also raised the ASG minimum wage to $7.25 per hour. It also outlined the pay scale adjustments for white-collar and blue collar employees as well as teacher’s pay scale — including degree holders.

Meanwhile, the governor’s chief of staff, Tuimavave Tauapa’i Laupola in a separate Oct. 27 memo, reminded cabinet members, they are required to submit their “Accomplishment Report for Year 2021” to the Governor’s Office no later than 3p.m, Friday, Nov. 12th.

“Your dedication and commitment in executing your responsibilities and delivering services to our people is appreciated,” Tuimavave wrote.

In a Sept. 3rd memo, then acting Gov. Talauega Eleasalo Ale informed cabinet members of preparations for the up-coming State of the Territory address in January 2022.  He said that all departments, agencies, offices and authorities are required to submit a comprehensive Accomplishment Report detailing all major accomplishments for the Year 2021, including all pending projects and agenda an for the coming year.

According to the acting governor, the report should also include program or project challenges, if any, currently being faced and solutions being planned to mitigate those issues.

Under local statute, the sitting governor is mandated to deliver the State of the Territory Address during a joint session of the Fono on the second Monday in January of every year.  The address usually covers ASG’s financial status, economic conditions as well as accomplishments in the previous year and what’s coming in the future.