Gov. David M. Apatang has signed House Bill 24-62, D1 into law, appropriating $1.57 million in Third Senatorial District revenues for retiree pensions, election operations and community programs. The measure is now Saipan Local Law 24-31.
Of the total appropriation, $991,460 is designated for the NMI Settlement Fund's 25% retiree pension payment. Another $400,000 will go to the Commonwealth Election Commission to address a funding shortfall ahead of the 2026 general election.
The law also allocates $63,000 to the CNMI Scholarship and Financial Assistance Office, $37,000 to CNMI Arts & Culture, $35,000 each to the Office of Carolinian Affairs and Indigenous Affairs Office, and $10,000 to Chamolinian Cultural Village Inc.
"Our retirees have devoted many years of their lives to serving our people and building a stronger Commonwealth," Apatang said in a statement, noting that the measure also supports elections, scholarship services and cultural programs.
