The Senate confirmed Friday the appointment of former governor Juan N. Babauta to serve as a member of the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp.’s board of trustees, representing Saipan and Northern Islands.
To fill the vacant seats left by Sen. Dennis C. Mendiola (R-Rota), who resigned from these positions, Sen. Celina R. Babauta (D-Saipan) has appointed Sen. Francisco Q. Cruz (R-Tinian) as a member of the Judiciary, Government and Law Committee, and Sen. Corina L. Magofna (Ind-Saipan) as a member of the Executive Appointments and Governmental Investigations Committee. Babauta chairs the two committees.
Gov. Arnold I. Palacios’ proposed budget for the government’s operations in fiscal year 2024 includes a proposal to increase the Business Gross Revenue Tax beginning in the second quarter of fiscal year 2024 for an additional estimated revenue of $9.1 million. This early, some senators believe this one-time increase will result in a hot-button tussle between the Senate and the House of Representatives.
The Senate confirmed yesterday the appointment of acting Fire assistant chief Juan Aguon Pua as the new Department of Fire and Medical Emergency Services commissioner.
The Department of Finance has $121.4 million in total outstanding collectibles from account receivables from the past 10 years, including $30 million in employee quarterly withholdings that were not remitted by employers, according to Finance Secretary Tracy B. Norita on Friday.