Gov. David M. Apatang on Tuesday signed House Bill 24-46 into Public Law 24-14, enacting the Appropriations and Budget Authority Act of 2026 and allocating $179 million for fiscal year 2026. The move averts a potential government shutdown.
Of the total budget, approximately $51.8 million is designated for debt service and other obligations, leaving $127 million available for general appropriations.
Joined by several lawmakers at the signing, Apatang called on the Legislature to swiftly pass a revised budget based on updated revenue projections of $156 million, citing ongoing economic challenges.
The governor emphasized the need for austerity measures, including reduced government work hours, furloughs and a reduction in force.
“That is the whole intention,” Apatang said. “We’re also preparing our language and procedure that we are going to implement. We just have to bite the bullet and see what we can do to save money.”
Apatang also stressed the importance of funding essential programs and services, including Medical Referral, Medicaid, inmate medical care and meals, government utilities and operations, and the 25% pension payments to retirees.
