ASG spending down nearly $2 million
compared to last two years

In June 2007, the American Samoa Government had reduced its spending by millions compared to the same time in the past two years.

Based on the Treasury Department’s June Financial Overview Report (local funds), the total expenditures for June 2007 was only $5,070,199, down significantly from $6,918,062 in June 2006 and $8,027,804 in June 2005.

The report revealed that cash collections fell short last month, resulting in expenses exceeding revenue.
But interestingly enough, expenditures were reduced drastically, down nearly $2 million from last year and close to $3 million compared to 2005.

The Territorial Administration on Aging (TAOA) and the Department of Human and Social Services (DHSS) were the only two departments that hadn’t spent anything every June since 2005.

A total of ten departments, including miscellaneous expenses, are listed to have increased their spending in June 2007 compared to the same time last year.

Nonetheless, a total of 23 departments and agencies had decreased their spending, some of which were reduced by six figures. The decreases in spending are an early sign of a pattern that, if allowed to continue, will result in a lot of savings and more revenue for the government.

One of the most significant decreases came from the Governor’s Office, whose spending last month amounted to $188,447, down less than half from the $436,971 they spent in June 2006 and $535,260 in June 2005.

The Treasury Department also decreased its spending to $419,149, a big reduction compared to the $504,833 they spent in June 2006 and $569,585 in June 2005.

The Department of Education did well, spending only $1,434,304 last month compared to $1,747,198 in June 2006 and $2,392,206 in June 2005.

The Office of Public Information also pitched in and saved the government thousands of dollars by reducing its expenditures from $111,550 in June 2005 and $90,151 in June 2006, down to only $67,666 in June 2007.

The following is a list of notable decreases in spending within certain government agencies and departments: