Friday, January 18, 2008

914- THE LOST EMPLOYEES

NOW THEY'RE IN...... NOW THEY'RE OUT
Funds OK'd To Keep Saipan Employees
Acting Gov.
Timothy P. Villagomez approved yesterday a bill providing funds for Saipan employees affected by the planned government layoff. House Local Bill 15-19, now Saipan Local Law 15-31, appropriates $1.2 million of local pokers fees for the salaries of the Saipan workers who were issued furlough notices effective Dec. 22, 2007 due to the government's lack of funds. The employees were given a 30-day extension following a promise by the Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation to produce the money to keep them on the payroll. But the $1.2 million appropriation may not be enough to keep all 157 of the Saipan workers. Gov. Benigno R. Fitial said previously that $2.5 million was needed to fund the salaries of the employees until the end of the fiscal year, which is on Sept. 30, 2007.
Now we have money now we don't. Now we got part of it, now were looking for more. Taking money from the poker fund is simply redirecting it away from the numerous other pots this money is designated for. Would you believe how many budgets get covered by the same funds? There is never any new money just reappropriated money, out of one pocket into the other.
It makes one wonder just why these employees are there for in the first place. Are they needed or not needed. It seems this is never the subject as they are tossed around like the pawns they are. If they truly are needed keep them, if not get rid of the extra baggage. Whatever you do stop playing games, it's not fair to these people. Either they work or get laid off! In or out! One or the other!
One other phrase that bothers me is the use of the term
'non-essential jobs' what the hell does that mean? Does it mean what it sounds like that they aren't essential? Then why do they have jobs in this category, are they just there because they vote for the incumbents? Paid votes, is that legitimate government? This may be another reason for them to not want the feds here, they may see through this paid-to-vote scheme. It's illegal, you know!
Oh well, it's a mud bucket on Capital Hill, guess it'll stay that way for awhile, so why bother?
.....GED.....

2 comments:

Lil' Hammerhead said...

Stop messing around with these people. Come up with a solid plan and follow it. If a comprehensive plan requires the layoff of employees, then that's what needs to be done.. do it and don't leave people hanging and hoping. But first, COME UP WITH A PLAN.

Anonymous said...

A plan??? Did you dare use the "P Word"?
Maybe that's a good idea after they finish the Anti-Federalization March. That's a horse worth beating on some more.
JR