Fono approves FY08 budget, with Senate amendments

A special conference committee made up of three members each from both Fono chambers have agreed that the version of the FY08 budget that includes Senate amendments is the best way to go and apparently, the rest of their counterparts agree.

The FY08 budget of $304.37 million has finally been approved, after a tug of war between the Senate and the House about whose version was more fitting.

Now it’s just a matter of time to see whether or not Governor Togiola Tulafono will line item veto the proposed amendments.

The amendments in question include an increase in the Fono’s budget, from $5.9 million to $6.5 million, through the reallocation of $600,000 from “Special Programs” like Debt Services and the Street Lights Account.

Other amendments include shifting money for the American Samoa Power Authority whose proposed budget is $45.9 million.

Sources in the Senate said that the proposed increase in the Fono’s budget is to pay for things like travel and contractual services which are not funded for under the proposed budget, and to add funds for “materials and supplies” category in which the lawmakers’ allowances fall under.