From Tribune 5/30/12
Lt. Gov. Inos on Marianas Agupa
This Saturday, June 2, 2012, Marianas Agupa will feature Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos who will talk about the Retirement Fund’s active employees to move into the U.S. Social Security pension program and his proposal for a hybrid bill similar to the H.B. 17-226 that was vetoed by Gov. Benigno Fitial. The show is from 9am to 11am on Magic 100.3 FM. Listeners are encouraged to call in and ask questions during the show (direct to studio at 234-5929 or use instant messaging on the Facebook account of Marianas Agupa). The Chamorro radio talk show program is hosted by Glenn H. Manglona. Simultaneous Internet streaming via www.magic100radio.com will be available. (PR)
Buenas, Lt. Governor Inos Thank you for giving me the opportunity to make comments.
You have written the bill, talk about it but you haven’t introduce it yet, why?
The bill the was introduce and sign by the house was the people’s desire to join the social security which the house never inquire public opinion as this issue require evidence that the Public desire to join.
We have read it, and we support it, if you put it together with house bill 17-312. The only thing is to remove the desire to join the social security until further studies have been done. Or invite SS and Richard to explain to the members how it will benefit us and the members to ask question so that they will know if it will benefit him/her.
For the active members, the life span of the retirement funds does not concern them anymore. Their contributions no longer is require because there is no money for them to retire. So, why are you holding it and why there is no action or explanation done for this part?
The legal counsel told us that it is the law for the government to deduct it from their paycheck. If it is the law, then what does the law says about them not being able to retire because their share was been given to others. Them retiring should not be a problem because they never spent it yet.
The only problem the government have is there is no more money to pay the retirees. So, I believe the bankruptcy filing to pay the retirees should have been filed by the Government.
The active members have every right to retire as they are the soul owner of the remaining money, but the government does not want to tell them to shield their face for unintentional mistake. Or it is intentional?
Now the members are desperately seeking your every mean to return their contribution as they have no money to hire their attorney. They want their contribution back, at least what they contributed only. So, give them back, because ones they find the solution to turn around and demand their rights this government is going to be close instantly.
So, Lt. Governor, stop playing puzzle and give them back their money first, and tell the retirees the truth. And from there take what ever is remaining and decide how you will spent it to pay the retirees, whether you divide it equally or by how much you owe.
Stop hiding behind the law that says they have to get pay until the day they died. If this law is amendable, Amend it and add if the funds runs out of money then the government have the authority to reduce their pension at a given rate that will provide a sustainalbe living.
Many of these employees especially the ones whom this government lable as non-essential, are suffering because of the changes in the cost of living, and the reduction of hours. Giving them back their money might help them get back on their feet and also contribute to the government.
For me the bill that you should amend is HB 15-277 and allow all government employee to withdraw upon resignation and to rehire them back with a different rules and regulations, that includes education requirements and training. All other unneeded position should be transfer to other department who are understaff or be transition to the private with on the job training programs to help support our investors who are seeking U.S. citizen proffessional or workforce to help them.
This actions supports everyone, plus you have the chance to restructure the government system at the U.S. standard, including saving millions of dallors that are being wasted today, with this political games that we have acustomed to.
Thank you and peace to all,
Winnie Atalig, Tinian
P.S. I was going to give this to the press, but my husband ask me to give you guys a break.