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A look at the fully endorsed FY-2023 Supplemental Budget bill

Senators in session
It funds 11 programs ranging from $1million to $100,000 each
Source: RNZ Pacific

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Fono has officially endorsed the Administration’s $7.4 million Fiscal Year 2023 Supplemental Budget, after the Senate and House, last week, approved each other’s versions of the legislation, which provides additional funding for the Legislature, including money for it’s 75th Anniversary.

The House approved in final reading the Senate version last Thursday and Samoa News understands that the Senate version was then recorded in the Fono journal before the bill was transmitted to the governor for review and approval — as lawmakers made no changes to original language of the bill.

Senators last Friday gave final approval to the House version of the supplemental appropriation, which is funded from “unbudgeted, unobligated and unexpended” revenues from FY 2021.

Additionally, the legislation becomes effective immediately upon passage by the Fono and approval of the governor due to the urgent need to assist in providing adequate funding for government operations.

The eleven programs funded with the bill, includes $1 million for the Fono’s 75th commemoration celebration and $500,000 to address additional critical operational needs for the Legislature’s operation that are not addressed in the FY 2023 budget.

Fono leaders are looking at June to hold the 75th anniversary celebration to coincide with the planned official opening of the new two-story Fono building in Fagatogo.

The highest cost project in the supplemental is $3.1 million to the Governor’s Office for support of infrastructure, transportation and emergency response in Manu’a including but not limited to the tremors and potential volcano eruptions, evacuation of residents, construction of escape routes and safe zones. Funding would further provide for other needs of Manu’a residents during such an emergency period.

Also funded with the supplemental budget:

•           $300,000 — American Samoa Flag Day, Manu’a Flag Day, Swains Island Flag Day and Heritage Week in Hawaii;

•           $250,000 — Extend the Centennial book contract to support newly created chapters to document the current administration;

•           $500,000 — Local matching funds for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law projects;

•           $500,000 — Legal fees for off-island counsel in ongoing and anticipated litigation;

•           $500,000 — Samoan Language Commission to pay for rent, salaries, and other expenses;

•           $150,000 — Territorial Audit Office to pay for salary and related personnel expenses for a Territorial Auditor or Territorial Audit Office staff;

•           $100,000 — American Samoa Resilience Commission and the Governor’s Resiliency Office for administrative and staffing needs; and

•           $500,000 — Governor’s Office for drug enforcement efforts.