Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698746857521.pdf (Micronesia, Federated States of)
STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO: 21-63 RE: P.C.

21-253/J&GO SUBJECT: FY 2021 BUDGET SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 The Honorable Wesley W. Simina Speaker, Twenty-First Congress Federated States of Micronesia Fifth Regular Session, 2020 Dear Mr. Speaker: Your Committee on Judiciary and Governmental Operations, to which was jointly referred Presidential Communication No.

21-253, begs leave to report as follows: Presidential Communication No.
21-253 concerns the National Government’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2021 as set forth in the National Government Fiscal Year 2021 Proposed Budget (“Budget Book”).

Pursuant to rule 7, section 4(b) of the Official Rules of Procedure of the Twenty-First Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia, your Committee has limited its review to those portions of the proposed budget relating to matters under its jurisdiction.

These are: I.

Operations: a.

Department of Justice i.

Administration ii.


Division of Litigation iii.

Division of Anti-Human Trafficking Services iv.

Division of Law v. Registrar of Corporations vi.

Division of Immigration and Passport Services vii.

Division of Labor viii.

Division of Investigation and Protective Services SCRL 21-79/J&GO FY 2021 BUDGET STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO: 21-63 RE: P.C.

21-253/J&GO SUBJECT: FY 2021 BUDGET SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 ix.

Division of Border Control and Maritime Surveillance x.
Office of the Public Defender xi.

National Judiciary b.

Agencies, Boards, Authorities, Commissions & Corporations i.

National Postal Services c. Special Programs i.

National Election Commission Office II.

Grants, Subsidies and Contributions: a.

Department of Justice i.

States Joint Law Enforcement ii.

Police Academy iii.

DOJ Fuel Subsidy iv.

Ammunitions for side arms and long rifles v. Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons vi.

Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization vii.
Retroactive Salary for Captain – National Police b.

States Judiciaries c. Micronesian Legal Services Corporation d. General Election III.

Capital and Human Resources Development a.

Department of Justice i. Anti-Human Trafficking Enforcement, Campaign and Investigation ii.

Victim Shelter Services iii.

Patrol Boat Maintenance iv.

PII Case Arbitration v. Slipping of FSS Independence vi.

DOJ Satellite Phone and Billing vii.

HT Annual Conference viii.

Victim Shelter in Chuuk ix.


Build Anti-Trafficking Shelters in Pohnpei, Kosrae and Yap b.

National Election Commission Office 2 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO: 21-63 RE: P.C.

21-253/J&GO SUBJECT: FY 2021 BUDGET SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 i. Voter ID Card and New Voter Registration Project This report and all previous and subsequent reports by this committee should be treated as policy for this Nation as defined by the Congress.
It is your Committee’s intent that any commentary found in this report should be treated as policy for the guidance of the relevant departments, agencies and offices.

It should be noted that in light of the uncertain economic times and the anticipated decrease in the projected budget, in general, no new hirings or requested salary increases have been approved.

In addition, the travel budget has been decreased by 70% across the board.
Your Committee conducted a series of public hearings with the various departments, following the convening of the Second Regular Session of the Twent-First Congress in May 2020.

The report and recommendations that follow are based upon the information contained in the Budget Book and the input provided by witnesses at those hearings.
Your Committee’s findings and recommendations follow: Overall Budget: Personnel Travel Contract OCE Fixed Assets Total FY20 Appropriated 5,974,793 797,960 1,195,399 848,889 320,300 9,137,341 FY21 President Recommended 6,259,432 868,379 1,122,665 1,047,506 140,800 9,438,782 FY21 Committee Recommended 6,157,875 254,812 1,186,884 1,035,771 147,300 8,782,642 DISCUSSION OF FY 2021 BUDGET The appropriations discussed below are presented, by department, office and agency, in the order in which they appear in the Budget Book.
The figures given for each department, office and 3 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO: 21-63 RE: P.C.

21-253/J&GO SUBJECT: FY 2021 BUDGET SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 agency include the figures from the budget book for the total amount appropriate by law for FY 2020 and the amount recommended by the President and the amount recommended by Congress for each entity for FY 2021.

Your Committee makes the following recommendations.

I.

Operations a.

Department of Justice Detail by Division i.


Administration, Office of the Secretary FY 20 Appropriated Personnel Travel Contract OCE Fixed TOTAL #Positions 147,853 31,710 236,000 20,340 10,000 445,903 6 FY 21 President Recommended 162,664 31,710 226,000 20,340 10,000 450,714 6 FY 21 Committee Recommends 147,853 9,513 226,000 20,340 10,000 413,706 6 Personnel: Increase in personnel, $12,879 for Secretary salary to adjust to new Cabinet level salary increase.
Due to the budget projection, the committee is unable to approve salary increases at this time.

Travel: No change is requested in this category.

Contract: Decrease of $10,000 for website OCE: No change is requested in this category.

Fixed Assets: No change is requested in this category.

4 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO: 21-63 RE: P.C.

21-253/J&GO SUBJECT: FY 2021 BUDGET SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 ii.
Division of Litigation FY 20 Appropriated Personnel Travel Contract OCE Fixed TOTAL #Positions 403,234 81,523 9,500 9,000 5,000 508,257 12 FY 21 President Recommended 423,574 81,523 9,500 9,000 5,000 528,597 12 FY 21 Committee Recommends 403,234 24,457 9,500 9,000 5,000 451,191 12 Personnel: Increase in AAG Salaries Increase in benefits Due to the budget projection, the committee is unable to approve salary increases at this time.
Travel: No change Contract: No change OCE: No change Fixed Assets: No change Positions: No change Chief of Litigation, Abigail Avoryie, noted that it has been difficult to fill vacancies due to salary base.

There are additional requirements for attorneys to pass the bar and they need experienced attorney’s.

The salary level is one of the lowest in the region.

She noted that they have to contract outside attorney’s for consultation if we don’t have the experience in specific areas.
They are seeking competent, qualified, local attorney’s to work in litigation and law.

5 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO: 21-63 RE: P.C.

21-253/J&GO SUBJECT: FY 2021 BUDGET SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 It was noted that we are currently in a pandemic and we have been presented with a grim economic scenario for the upcoming fiscal year.

We are projected to lose $3M plus for revenue next year.

It was asked, with the current salary, would attorneys be willing to remain?
The response was that all of the attorneys are happy with their employment, but they would appreciate being adequately compensated.

The salary is too low for the position.

However, they do understand the current restraints.

Chairman Figir asked if there will be an AAG assigned to Yap.

The response was that they have assignments in all other states and they are working to fill the position in Yap and they anticipate filling the position within the next year.
The department is focused on the set up of the anti-human trafficking division and filling the vacant Yap position.

iii.

Division of Anti-Human Trafficking Services FY 20 Appropriated FY 21 Recommended Personnel Travel Contract OCE Fixed TOTAL #Positions 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 101,392 38,000 0 0 0 139,392 5 FY 21 Committee Recommends 50,696 5,700 0 0 0 56,396 5 This is a newly created unit within the Department.

The Committee asked how the new unit was created.


The response was that the Secretary had been consulting with the President and the President gave the green light to move forward.

They intend to set up one office in each state.

An Executive order was made for the separations and the new units.

The AHT office is based on funding a coordinator in each state.

They do not have a national coordinator or one for Yap at this time.

6 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO: 21-63 RE: P.C.


21-253/J&GO SUBJECT: FY 2021 BUDGET SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 Due to the budget projection, the committee approved half of the requested budget and will review the need for additional funding through a supplemental request.

iv.
iv.

Division of Law FY 20 Appropriated Personnel Travel Contract OCE Fixed TOTAL #Positions 304,847 89,518 5,000 7,500 5,000 411,865 6 FY 21 President Recommends 351,835 89,518 125,000 7,500 5,000 578,853 6 FY21 Committee Recommends 304,847 26,855 5,000 7,500 5,000 349,202 6 Personnel: Increase in AAG salaries Decrease in benefits Due to the budget projection, the committee is unable to approve salary increases at this time.
Travel: No change Contract: Expert on Law of the Sea, $60,000 Expert on Aviation/Air Space Law, $60,000 Due to the budget projection, the committee does not feel that the request for experts is justified at this time.

The committee feels that there are contracted staff who are able to meet the need for the expert of the law of the sea and the U.S is available to assist with issues to related to aviation and air space law.
OCE: No change Fixed Assets: No change 7 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO: 21-63 RE: P.C.

21-253/J&GO SUBJECT: FY 2021 BUDGET SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 The Chief of Law noted that the increase in personnel was due to the increase in AAG salary and the difference in salary for chief and AAG.

There are 6 AAG positions, no additional positions were requested.
The department of law has worked on 348 contracts, congressional acts, bills, resolutions, drafting regulations, in addition to working on special projects, including maritime boundaries, 4 bi-lateral treaties, national baselines, EEZ, territorial waters, contiguous zones, etc.

They have also deposited treaties with secretary general of the UN that are now legally binding under the UN charter.

The unit has been involved with preparing for the nautical maps that will be widely distributed.
It has been a major accomplishment for the FSM to complete the required deposits.

These accomplishments serve the FSM to ensure the permanence of the FSM borders.

Another project is the continental shelf project in Yap involving 150,000 sq.

km.

of seabed in the high seas.

This claim is being studied under law of the sea convention.

There has been a preliminary consultation with neighbors to avoid any conflict.
The recommended budget includes the contract for Clement Mulalap to provide advice directly to the UN mission and the Department of Justice on matters relating to international law, including when requested by the President.

They intend to continue the contract with Mr. Mulalap.

He has been responsive and knowledgeable.

Previously issues were dealt with from Palikir, which was cumbersome and challenging.
He can respond to ongoing developments in UN, standing committees, complex legal matters requiring input of DOJ.

He is a continued and reliable legal service to the mission.

Mr. Bacaldondo reported he is on contract and he’s a licensed attorney in NY.

He is qualified to do the work of the DOJ to provide legal services to the UN mission.

He is considered a legal attaché, subject to the Vienna Convention.

The FSM is providing his contract, plus housing and health insurance and other benefits.
They want to keep him in the position.

His contract runs through the fiscal year.

After consulting with Mr. Mulalap, the Secretary of Justice is requesting an additional $20,000 be added to Mr. Mulalap’s contract for fiscal year 2021.

8 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO: 21-63 RE: P.C.

21-253/J&GO SUBJECT: FY 2021 BUDGET SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 The Secretary of Justice noted that the expert on law of sea and aviation and air/space law amounts are a starting point for the department.
The U.S. has been managing the space aspect, however, they want an expert to advise them how they can move forward with managing their own airspace.

Speaker noted that he anticipates that there will be legislation submitted to Congress that will also speak to the management of airspace.

Regarding the law of the sea expert, deep-sea mining law will be included.

Congress is interested in seeing something concrete to show progress in these areas.
It was noted that they are mapping the seabed and the next step will be working with maritime boundaries.

It was noted that the seabed mining legislation calls for establishing a boarder.

They are also securing the division of the continental shelf as three countries have submitted a claim.
v. Registrar of Corporations Personnel Travel Contract OCE Fixed TOTAL #Positions FY 20 Appropriated 76,238 19,596 15,000 9,720 6,800 127,354 4 FY 21 President Recommends 76,238 19,596 15,000 9,720 6,800 127,354 4 FY21 Committee Recommends 76,238 5,879 15,000 9,720 6,800 113,637 4 No change is requested in this category.

9 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO: 21-63 RE: P.C.

21-253/J&GO SUBJECT: FY 2021 BUDGET SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 Things are moving forward with the major corporations and insurance scheme.
Regarding captive insurance, insurance board needs to hire an expert to continue to bring credibility and strength to the regulations.

OACD global forum issued largely compliant rating to the FSM regarding tax transparency, largely related to captive insurance.

To maintain that rating, insurance board needs to maintain its credibility as a regulator an expert is essential.

vi.
vi.

Division of Immigration and Passport Services Personnel Travel Contract OCE Fixed TOTAL #Positions FY 20 Appropriated 646,790 23,020 77,758 113,383 20,000 880,951 46 FY 21 President Recommends 516,717 23,020 77,758 113,383 0 730,878 37 FY21 Committee Recommends 566,717 6,906 77,758 113,383 0 764,764 37 Personnel: Decrease is due to decrease in staff.

They changed from division of immigration and labor and split staff.
When the separation of divisions occurred, the Division of Labor staff were given a salary increase and the Committee is including an additional $50,000 in personnel to equalize the pay in the two divisions.

Travel: No change Contract: No change OCE: No change Fixed Assets: None recommended in budget 10 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO: 21-63 RE: P.C.

21-253/J&GO SUBJECT: FY 2021 BUDGET SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 vii.
Division of Labor **New FY 20 Appropriated Personnel Travel Contract OCE Fixed TOTAL #Positions 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 FY 21 President Recommends 175,212 10,500 10,000 41,000 20,000 256,712 10 FY21 Committee Recommends 175,212 3,150 10,000 41,000 20,000 249,362 10 This is a newly created unit, separated from the Division of Immigration and Labor.

They are requesting an increase of 1 position for new Chief.

viii.
viii.

Division of Investigation and Protective Services **Formerly National Police FY 20 Appropriated *National Police FY 21 President Recommends FY 21 Committee Recommends Personnel Travel Contract OCE Fixed TOTAL #Positions 129,435 291,719 217,500 60,500 1,826,331 1,059,333 117,465 184,219 173,500 16,500 1,059,33 35,239 184,219 173,500 16,500 2,525,485 1,551,017 1,468,791 53 104 53 This is a separation from what was formerly the National Police.
The security police are assigned to this division and surveillance has been assigned to Border Control and Maritime Surveillance.

11 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO: 21-63 RE: P.C.

21-253/J&GO SUBJECT: FY 2021 BUDGET SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 ix.
Division of Border Control and Maritime Surveillance **Formerly part of National Police FY 21 President Recommends FY 21 Committee Recommends FY 20 Appropriated *National Police 1,826,331 129,435 291,719 217,500 60,500 Personnel Travel Contract OCE Fixed TOTAL #Positions 803,525 9,450 64,485 139,200 0 2,525,485 1,038,710 1,016,660 68 803,525 31,500 64,485 139,200 0 104 68 This division was separated from the previously National Police.

There is a request to fund 17 new positions.

b.
Office of the Public Defender FY 20 Appropriated FY 21 President Recommends 744,081 142,505 111,350 86,900 5,000 1,087,151 1,089,836 26 744,081 140,120 101,050 86,900 15,000 26 FY 21 Committee Recommends 744,801 42,751 111,350 86,900 5,000 990,082 26 Personnel Travel Contract OCE Fixed TOTAL #Positions Personnel: $4929 had been proposed by the Public Defender’s office, but was not recommended by the President’s Office, the increase was for salary adjustments, however, they did not follow the protocol for salary increases.
Requested Admin officer II reclassified to be consistent with salary with AO in Department of Justice, they have similar duties and workload.

Requested salary increase for legal secretary in Yap 12 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO: 21-63 RE: P.C.

21-253/J&GO SUBJECT: FY 2021 BUDGET SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 $1,997, 27-1 to 27-5.

She has been in the position since 1988, last salary adjustment in 2008.

Requested salary adjustment $478 for Pohnpei Investigator II position, 26-1 to 26-4.
Travel: Proposal from the Public Defender’s office requested $157,995, the recommended increase from President is only $2,385.

The requested increase was for an annual conference $5290, $10,200 for Pohnpei multi-defendant cases/conflict cases.

Also, and increase for Pohnpei and Chuuk attorney’s in Yap for multi-defendant cases of $2385 (this is what was recommended).
They are looking at hiring local attorney’s take cases at a lower rate instead of having attorneys from other states travel that require thousands of dollars for each instance.

Contract: $200,000 requested for civil cases turned away from MLSC because of conflicts.

This was not recommended by the President.

The breakdown would be $50,000 for one attorney in each state.
The Public Defender’s Office indicates the Presidential Declaration #8 provides for this, however upon review, the declaration only allows for it, it does not mandate it.

$7,800 requested by the Public Defender for an investigator for Kosrae.

($5,000 recommended by the President).


$7,800 requested for an Assistant Administrator (recommended by the President) $8,934 was requested by the Public Defender’s Office for office security in Yap, Kosrae and Chuuk (this was not recommended by the President) Surveillance system set up in Pohnpei after the arson of the Pohnpei Supreme Court and Attorney General office.

The Public Defender’s office had a break in shortly after that.

There is a 4 hour battery that runs when power goes out.
The system records 2 weeks worth of recordings in the cloud.

The cost is $2,000 for 5 cameras.

OCE: No change Fixed Assets: $15,000 requested for a boat/engine/trailer with safety equipment for Pohnpei office for site visits Protected Marine Sanctuary cases.

This was not recommended by 13 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO: 21-63 RE: P.C.

21-253/J&GO SUBJECT: FY 2021 BUDGET SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 the President.
$27,000 was requested by the Public Defender’s Office for a re placement vehicle for Kosrae, 8 year old vehicle currently.

The President did not recommend this.

It was noted that the Public Defender’s Office supports the staff attorney increase being lobbied for by DOJ.

They noted that the Chief of Law and Chief of Litigation salary recommendation are higher the Chief of PD and request that any changes be equally applied.
EBRC noted that they look at FY19 to evaluate the performances and how offices and departments submit their proposals.

They look at personnel, the process of increasing salaries is putting the cart before the horse.

Performance evaluations are needed before salary increases should be occurring.

There were question regarding conflict cases for civil cases, as to what other options are available.

The response was that they can only use remote options for preliminary proceedings.
(this is for criminal cases, civil cases different) There was a recommendation to discuss further and also see about compiling a list of local pro-bono attorneys or come up with other options.
c. National Judiciary FY 20 Appropriated FY 21 FY 21 Committee President Recommends Recommends 1,026,561 1,046,003 1,026,561 55,793 237,300 176,315 54,000 1,724,023 1,709,330 1,549,969 42 185,978 237,300 186,050 54,000 185,974 213,100 155,388 143,000 43 42 Personnel Travel Contract OCE Fixed TOTAL #Positions Personnel: Several salary increases and a new archive manager position, due to the budget projection, no new positions and no salary increases are being supported by the Committee.
14 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO: 21-63 RE: P.C.

21-253/J&GO SUBJECT: FY 2021 BUDGET SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 Travel: $4 increase Contract: Changes in office renovation costs OCE: Increase in judicial conference, $9,735.

Due to travel restrictions, the Committee does not approve this request.

Added medical fund for justices, $10,000.

The Committee approves this request, noting that the only expenses that should be paid from this fund are expenses that MiCare does not cover.
Fixed Assets: Decrease d. Agencies, Boards, Authorities, Commissions & Corporations i.
National Postal Service FY 20 Appropriated Personnel Travel Contract OCE Fixed TOTAL #Positions 546,818 74,047 187,119 146,195 30,000 984,179 40 FY 21 President Recommends 546,818 74,047 187,119 175,950 10,000 993,934 40 FY 21 Committee Recommends 546,818 22,214 187,119 175,950 0 932,101 40 Personnel: No change Travel: No change Contract: No change OCE: Change in ADSL and computer accessories Fixed Assets: New vehicle funds were appropriated last year.
A request was made this year for a new vehicle for the 15 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO: 21-63 RE: P.C.

21-253/J&GO SUBJECT: FY 2021 BUDGET SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 Post Master General, however, it was reported that her current vehicle is still in good working order and the Committee does not approve the request at this time.

The postal service has demonstrated its an essential service, especially during the pandemic.

OCE increase of $9,755 is for consumable goods.


There has been an increase in cost for FSM telecom expenses, new ADSL lines have been installed in all offices in order to use new financial system.

Also there has been an increase in utilities cost.

The postal service is basing their request on 2019 actual budget expenses.

Chuuk utilities has increased, main increase.

e. Special Programs i.
National Election Commission Office FY 20 Appropriated Personnel Travel Contract OCE Fixed TOTAL #Positions 252,040 23,017 59,153 82,963 25,000 442,173 13 FY 21 President Recommends 252,040 23,017 59,153 82,963 25,000 417,173 13 FY 21 Committee Recommends 252,040 6,905 59,153 82,963 25,000 426,061 13 Personnel: No change Travel: No change Contract: No change OCE: No change Fixed Assets: No change It was noted that the Chuuk office requested a pick up truck and they also requested a new vehicle for the new director.
The central office is using the vehicle that was funded last year.

16 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO: 21-63 RE: P.C.

21-253/J&GO SUBJECT: FY 2021 BUDGET SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 The recommended budget does not include any new vehicles.

The Committee finds that $25,000 should be added for a pick up truck for the Chuuk office.

II.

Grants, Subsidies and Contributions a.

Department of Justice i.


States Joint Law Enforcement FY 20 Appropriated 75,000 200,000 200,000 FY 21 President Recommends 75,000 200,000 200,000 FY 21 Committee Recommends 75,000 200,000 125,000 75,000 75,000 550,000 75,000 550,000 75,000 550,000 Kosrae Pohnpei Chuuk Weno Municipal Police Yap TOTAL No change in funding requested.

The Department of Justice if requesting the allottee be changed to the President instead of the governors.

The Committee supports the requested change of allottee.
In addition, the Committee notes that Weno Municipal Police has received funding in the FY 20 budget and the Committee recommends the same level of funding be allocated, thus reducing the State portion of the funds.

ii.

Police Academy FY 20 Appropriated 200,000 FY 21 President Recommends 200,000 FY 21 Committee Recommends 100,000 17 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO: 21-63 RE: P.C.

21-253/J&GO SUBJECT: FY 2021 BUDGET SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 No change is requested in this category.
The Committee notes that there have not been as many classes due to the travel restrictions.

As such, the Committee recommends the funding be reduced, noting that supplemental requests can be made as needed.

iii.

DOJ Fuel Subsidy FY 20 Appropriated 200,000 FY 21 President Recommends 200,000 FY 21 Committee Recommends 250,000 The Committee notes that there have been additional patrols happening due to the need to enforce the current travel restrictions.

As such, there has been an increase in fuel usage.


The committee recommends an increase of $50,000 in this category.

iv.

Ammunitions for side arms and long rifles FY 20 Appropriated 0 FY 21 President Recommends 25,000 FY 21 Committee Recommends 25,000 v. Organizations for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) FY 20 Appropriated 0 FY 21 President Recommends 7,962 FY 21 Committee Recommends 7,962 18 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO: 21-63 RE: P.C.
21-253/J&GO SUBJECT: FY 2021 BUDGET SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 vi.

Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBT) FY 20 Appropriated 0 FY 21 President Recommends 13,708 FY 21 Committee Recommends 13,708 III.

Retroactive Salary (2013-2016) for Captain of National Police FY 20 Appropriated 0 FY 21 President Recommends 10,000 FY 21 Committee Recommends 0 The Committee notes that additional information and supporting documentation is needed from the Department of Personnel to justify this request.

a.
a.

States Judiciaries FY 20 Appropriated Kosrae Pohnpei Chuuk Yap TOTAL 40,000 60,000 110,000 40,000 200,000 FY 21 President Recommends 40,000 60,000 110,000 40,000 200,000 FY 21 Committee Recommends 40,000 60,000 110,000 40,000 200,000 19 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO: 21-63 RE: P.C.

21-253/J&GO SUBJECT: FY 2021 BUDGET SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 No change is requested in this category.
b. Micronesian Legal Services Corporation FY 20 Appropriated 250,000 FY 21 President Recommends 250,000 FY 21 Committee Recommends 250,000 No change is requested in this category.

a.
a.

General Election (March 2021) FY 20 Appropriated 0 FY 21 President Recommends 497,607 FY 21 Committee Recommends 497,607 General Election Breakdown: Travel requested is $18,487.10 for workshops in HNL and GUM, outer island, deliver ballots Consumable Goods requested is $185,000 for supplies, printing of ballots, advertising, rental of boats and cars and space in GUM and HNL and transportation/freight/ communication Contractual Services amount requested is $294,120.
The committee requested additional information regarding this expense, but no additional information was provided.

Voter ID Care and Registration Project is requesting $50,000.

It was noted that electoral aides usually charged to this.

This will add more aides in HNL and GUM, one person from each FSM state.

They have to special order the voter ID cards through CNI or Ace Office Supply and they are not available on island.
Travel for islands in Chuuk to help them get to outer islands to help register new voters and issue voter ID cards as needed.

They want to focus on hiring the extra electoral aides, 2 from each state at $750 bi-weekly.

20 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO: 21-63 RE: P.C.

21-253/J&GO SUBJECT: FY 2021 BUDGET SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 It was asked why it is equal for each state and it was requested that justification for the numbers be provided.

No additional information was received.


It was noted that we have to cut as much as we can under the uncertain economic times we are in.

IV.

Capital and Human Resources Development a.

Department of Justice i. Anti-Human Trafficking Enforcement, Campaign and Investigation FY 20 Appropriated 125,000 FY 21 President Recommends 125,000 FY 21 Committee Recommends 125,000 ii.

Victim Shelter and Services FY 20 Appropriated 100,000 FY 21 President Recommends 100,000 FY 21 Committee Recommends 100,000 iii.
Patrol Boat Maintenance FY 20 Appropriated 125,000 FY 21 President Recommends 125,000 FY 21 Committee Recommends 150,000 The Committee notes that the patrol boats have seen an increase in usage due to the travel restrictions.

As such, the Committee feels that an additional $25,000 is justified to ensure the safety of the patrol boat.

21 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO: 21-63 RE: P.C.

21-253/J&GO SUBJECT: FY 2021 BUDGET SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 vi.
PII Case Arbitration FY 20 Appropriated 150,000 FY 21 President Recommends 0 FY 21 Committee Recommends 0 PII case is still pending litigation and they are in the preliminary stages.

FSM has requested the court reduce the judgment or dismiss the arbitration amount.

There was a high low agreement entered into prior to the arbitration agreement.

The Court has not made any decisions and payment will be delayed until the court makes any decisions.

Both parties have submitted motions.


There was a $9M award against FSM through arbitration.

vii.

Slipping of FSS Independence FY 20 Appropriated 0 FY 21 President Recommends 750,000 FY 21 Committee Recommends 750,000 viii.

DOJ Satellite Phone & Billing FY 20 Appropriated 0 FY 21 President Recommends 10,000 FY 21 Committee Recommends 10,000 The funds requested are for satellite phones for the Patrol boats.

ix.
ix.

HT Annual Conference FY 20 Appropriated 0 FY 21 President Recommends 50,000 FY 21 Committee Recommends 50,000 22 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO: 21-63 RE: P.C.

21-253/J&GO SUBJECT: FY 2021 BUDGET SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 x.

Victim Shelter in Chuuk FY 20 Appropriated 0 FY 21 President Recommends 50,000 FY 21 Committee Recommends 50,000 xi.

Build Anti-Trafficking Shelters in Pohnpei, Kosrae and Yap FY 20 Appropriated 0 FY 21 President Recommends 150,000 FY 21 Committee Recommends 150,000 b.
National Election Commission Office i. Voter ID Card and New Voter Registration Project Appropriated 0 CONCLUSION FY 20 FY 21 President Recommends 50,000 FY 21 Committee Recommends 50,000 With the modifications identified above, your Committee on Judiciary and Governmental Operations recommends authorizing those portions of the FY 2021 budget relating to matters under its jurisdiction, subject to the availability of funds, as determined by your Committee on Ways and Means.
23 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO: 21-63 RE: P.C.

21-253/J&GO SUBJECT: FY 2021 BUDGET SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 Respectfully submitted, /s/ Robson U. Romolow Robson U.Romolow, chairman, /s/ Peter M. Christian Peter M. Christian, vice chairman /s/ Tiwiter Aritos Tiwiter Aritos, member /s/ Isaac V. Figir Isaac V. Figir, member /s/ Ferny S. Perman Ferny S. Perman, member /s/ Wesley W. Simina Wesley W. Simina, member /s/ Paliknoa K. Welly Paliknow K. Welly, member 24