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Leaders inform governor that Fono stands ready to review COVID-19 funding

House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale (left) and Senate President Gaoteote Palaie Tofau (rught)
Unclear whether Fono approval is needed
fili@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — With more than $80 million in COVID-19 funding allocated to American Samoa, the Fono leaders have informed Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga that lawmakers are prepared to start a review and approval for the appropriation of these funds.

The notification was made in a May 11th letter from Senate President Gaoteote Palaie Tofau and House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale. The Fono leaders note that one of the “greatest blessings” from the COVID-19 emergency is the funding assistance American Samoa has and will receive from the federal government.  

“The Legislature has not been made privy to the details of the stimulus funding but it has been reported that its total is in excess of $85 million, with much more to come,” the leaders wrote. “Much like the rest of the nation, our economy has slowed and the government has seen a sharp decline in revenue.”

They point out that the funding will provide an infusion of cash helping the territory to function at near pre-pandemic levels.

“While the administration receives the federal assistance, the Legislature stands ready to properly review and approve the appropriation of these monies,” the Fono leaders said. “Our cooperation is imperative if we are to continue the success of keeping Covid-19 out of American Samoa.”

The governor was informed that legislators have been made aware of the budget and appropriations process and have all agreed to attend session and hearings, including those identified to be exempt from work.

At the outset of the letter, the Fono leaders said that during theses difficult times, “we give thanks to The Lord that the Territory is safe and that we have yet to record a single case of infection from the Covid-19 virus.”

“This is a testament to the fortitude of our people and the hard work put in by you and the Coronavirus Task Force,” they wrote. “We are especially appreciative of the measures you have put in place to safeguard our shores.  It is heartening to see the level of cooperation our people have displayed despite the sudden disruption to their daily lives.”

“We are all in this together and we continue to pray that a vaccine is developed quickly so we can all return to pre-pandemic conditions,” they wrote. “We continue to pray for the safety of the Territory and the world during this pandemic.”

All coronavirus funds awarded to ASG are allocated for specific purposes and to specific agencies, in accordance with federal law and guidelines. It’s unclear at press time whether Fono approval is needed for COVID-19 funding, with majority of the money allocated under provisions of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Congresswoman Aumua Amata has issued press statements announcing specific funding allocations to American Samoa on a daily basis.

And, in a memo dated May 12th, the governor has established a COVID-19 Compliance Review Committee (C19CRC) to ensure American Samoa’s full compliance with the millions of dollars in federal coronavirus funds. (Read story for details elsewhere in today’s Samoa News edition.)

FONO SESSION

Meanwhile, the Fono reconvened on Monday following two COVID-19 mid session recesses for the 3rd Regular Session of the 36th Legislature. Lawmakers were informed on Monday that the Fono leaders have agreed that the regular sessions are to be held on Mondays and Wednesdays while committee hearings can be held any day during the work-week.

Based on the current schedule, the 3rd Regular Session will officially end the second week of June, with the 4th Regular Session set to start on July 13th — at which time the fiscal year 2021 budget is the priority on the agenda.