Gov lays out admin’s legislative plans for Second Regular Session

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — In addition to the proposed final fiscal year 2022 budget, Gov. Lemanu Peleti Palepoi Sialega Mauga has submitted to the Fono — as of Monday this week — six other pieces of proposed legislation for review and consideration by lawmakers during the Second Regular Session of the 37th Legislature.

Speaking to lawmakers on Monday during a joint Fono session, the governor provided a brief summary of legislation submitted to the Fono as well as pending measures to be transmitted soon. Also to be considered by the Fono are appointments to ASG boards and commissions.

Among the Administration’s legislation sent to the Fono is a bill that would repeal current law relating to Teacher Pay Scales. He said the administration has adopted a new pay plan for teachers. “I believe it would be appropriate to repeal this code section [of current law] to prevent any conflict between the statutory language and the pay plan,” he said in a letter to Fono leaders.

The governor also mentioned the new pay scale for teachers under the pay plan already adopted by the Administration, effective July 1st. And the plan calls for starting salaries for teacher degree holders with an AA  degree at $20,635; BA at $31,560; MA at $41,074 and PhD at $50,233.

“Education for our kids and for the next generation assuring nobody is left behind is a shared priority for all of us,” said the governor, in his FY 2022 “executive summary” report distributed to lawmakers.

He points out that the long-standing issue with teachers’ pay has been debated and promised during every campaign. “We need to attract good quality teachers who are well educated and experienced, with a commitment and passion to teach,” he said.

“To do what’s needed to improve and raise the quality and standards of educating our kids, we need to pay teachers what they deserve,” he said.

OTHER ADMINISTRATION LEGISLATION:

•           a measure to eliminate the requirement that at least two members of the board of directors of the American Samoa Power Authority are from off island.  “This is an outdated concept,” the governor explained in his letter to Fono leaders. “Our people have the skill and knowledge to administer our own affairs.”

•           a bill that “would establish the legal framework for the American Samoa National Guard”, the governor said, and points out that this is the “first step towards forming a National Guard that would be available to defend the United States and assist our people in case of a natural disaster”.

•           a bill amending the requirement for Immigration Board members. He said the proposed amendment would prohibit a board member from sponsoring a foreigner. “I believe this bill will prevent conflicts of interest for members of the Immigration board,” he said noting that the bill would also require staggered terms for board members to ensure that there are always experienced members on the Immigration board.

•           a bill to legalize the possession of air guns, which includes BB guns. The bill includes a provision that requires the adult supervision of minors when they use air guns. “I believe this is an appropriate balance between allowing the use of air guns and public safety,” he said.

•           a bill that would make it unlawful to use a cell phone while driving. “Texting and driving are a serious threat to the public safety of pedestrians and the motoring public,” he said. “I believe this will help keep our roads safe.”

Full text of each bill is now being put into bill format before introduction in both Senate and House, at which time more specific details of the bills will be known, along with scheduled hearings.

During Monday’s joint session, Fono leaders announced that with the many issues on the agenda for the current session, the Fono will not be taking any break or mid session recess unless it’s necessary.

Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean said this is similar to procedure followed during the First Regular session during which the Fono didn’t take a mid-session break, so that the new Administration’s cabinet members would be fully confirmed in order for the new government to move forward with its agenda.

He emphasized to the governor that the Fono stands in support of the Administration’s agenda.