AGP Executive Report

Storm Response: As Tropical Storm Champi bears down on the Marianas, Gov. David Apatang declared Typhoon Condition II for Rota; CNMI officials urged residents to finish preparations and said shelters on Saipan, Tinian and Rota would open Saturday. Energy Policy: Apatang says nuclear power should be explored to replace aging diesel generators and lower electricity costs, though feasibility and safety studies are still needed. Short-Term Rentals: The Revenue and Taxation director says a bill requiring booking platforms to collect rental taxes is unenforceable as written because the agency lacks the systems to monitor them. Birthright Citizenship: Rep. Morgan Griffith would not confirm whether his bill restricting citizenship for some children born in U.S. territories has stalled, and said he had not read a related Senate measure. Retiree Benefits: A 25% pension supplement went unfunded in October, renewing concern among retirees about delayed or reduced payments.

Utility Oversight: The Commonwealth Public Utilities Commission is revisiting CUC’s proposed utility-scale solar project, with a vote possible if commissioners resolve legal and procedural concerns, including questions about land rights and the project company’s name. Storm Readiness: With Tropical Storm Champi forecast to strengthen before reaching the Marianas, officials urge residents to prepare; the Red Cross warns repeated storms have strained recovery and could leave gaps in aid. Retiree Benefits: Retirees say the government has failed to fund their 25% pension supplement for October, raising concerns about how they will cover essentials. Public Services: Parks and Recreation says staggered schedules, no operational budget and added road-maintenance duties will hamper upkeep as theft and vandalism add to the strain. Tourism: The Marianas Visitors Authority approved a $400,000 promotional contract tied to Philippine Airlines’ scheduled Oct. 25 return, which officials say could open access to new visitor markets. Ports Authority: A Senate bill would clarify that full-time CPA employees must work 40 hours a week, addressing rules that could allow 32-hour schedules.

Storm Preparations: A typhoon watch is in effect for Saipan, Tinian and Rota as Tropical Depression 29W approaches; forecasts range from Category 1 to 3, and officials urge residents to prepare now. Retiree Benefits: Oct. 15 brought a missed 25% pension supplement payment for CNMI retirees, leaving many worried about essential bills. Election 2026: With the Nov. 3 vote approaching, the NMI Democrats endorsed Galvin Deleon Guerrero for delegate, while gubernatorial candidate BJ Attao pledged to address the CW-1 touchback requirement and praised Filipino workers’ contributions. Public School Funding: The Board of Education voted to sue for clarity on the constitutionally required funding level for public schools. Utilities: A post-typhoon financing bill authorizing CUC to seek emergency loans has passed the Senate and gone to the governor. Energy Policy: Gov. David Apatang says the CNMI should study nuclear power as a potential alternative to costly diesel generation.

Retiree Benefits: The CNMI government failed to fund retirees’ additional 25% pension payment, which many depend on for essentials such as power, medicine and food. School Funding: The Board of Education voted to sue for clarity on the Constitution’s education-funding guarantee, renewing a long-running dispute over PSS’s share of government revenue. Citizenship: A new Senate bill would deny automatic citizenship to some children born in U.S. territories, raising concerns that territorial communities were not consulted. Energy Policy: Gov. David Apatang says nuclear power should be studied as a way to lower electricity costs, though the technology’s safety and suitability for the islands require detailed review. Military Access: The U.S. military is seeking greater access to CNMI ports, airports and other facilities as the territory seeks billions in federal infrastructure aid. Regional Policy: Guam mayors plan to urge a Marianas-wide resolution opposing deep-sea mining, with CNMI mayors expected to consider it at their next assembly.

Storm Preparations: Invest 96W may pass near the Marianas this weekend, with tropical-storm strength possible and typhoon strength not ruled out. Officials urge residents to prepare; no watches or warnings are in effect. Utilities: The Senate unanimously approved emergency financing authority for CUC’s recovery and fuel costs after Sinlaku and Bavi. The bill now goes to the governor. A separate Senate bill would make 40 hours a week the standard for full-time CPA employees. Schools: The Board of Education voted 4-0, with one abstention, to direct the interim education commissioner to sue for clarity on the Public School System’s constitutional funding guarantee. Delegate Race: The NMI Democratic Party endorsed Galvin Deleon Guerrero for delegate ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Military and Infrastructure: CNMI officials say the military wants greater access to ports, airports and other shared facilities as the Commonwealth seeks more than $12.5 billion in federal infrastructure aid.

Storm Readiness: Invest 96W could strengthen into a tropical depression within 24 hours and pass near the Marianas this weekend, possibly as a tropical storm or typhoon. Its track remains uncertain; officials urge residents across Saipan, Tinian, Rota and the Northern Islands to prepare. Utilities: The Senate unanimously approved emergency financing authority for CUC’s post-typhoon restoration and fuel costs, sending the bill to the governor. It permits CUC to seek loans but does not guarantee funding. Public Schools: The Board of Education voted 4-0, with one abstention, to direct the interim commissioner to sue for clarity on the constitutional funding requirement for PSS. Delegate Race: NMI Democrats endorsed Galvin Deleon Guerrero for the CNMI’s U.S. House seat ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Deep-Sea Mining: Guam’s coastal management program objected to a federal finding that planned mineral leases near the Marianas would have no coastal impact, as the U.S. prepares to auction leases.

Public Schools: The Board of Education voted 4-0, with one abstention, to direct the interim commissioner to sue for clarity on the CNMI Constitution’s public-school funding guarantee. Delegate Race: NMI Democrats endorsed Northern Marianas College President Galvin Deleon Guerrero for the CNMI’s U.S. House delegate seat ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Military & Infrastructure: The U.S. military is seeking greater access to CNMI ports, airports and other shared facilities as the Commonwealth requests more than $12.5 billion in federal infrastructure assistance. Gubernatorial Race: Former Gov. Benigno Fitial endorsed Republican Ralph Torres and running mate Benjamin Jones, while Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds urged political unity. Disaster Recovery: The CNMI has asked FEMA to make up to $5 million in Community Disaster Loan funds available after Super Typhoon Sinlaku.

Business and Regulation: The Saipan Chamber supports reforms to investment incentives, contractor licensing and business startup permits, but strongly opposes a fair-billing bill. Education Funding: The Board of Education is weighing a lawsuit over the CNMI’s constitutional guarantee of public-school funding as lawmakers consider a budget veto override. Military and Infrastructure: U.S. forces are seeking greater access to CNMI ports, airports and other shared facilities as the territory seeks more than $12.5 billion in federal infrastructure aid. Election 2026: Former Gov. Benigno Fitial endorsed Republican gubernatorial candidate Ralph Torres, while Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds called for political unity. Energy and Environment: Gov. David Apatang wants the next administration to study nuclear power as a way to lower electricity costs; meanwhile, Guam coastal officials have challenged a federal finding that proposed seabed mineral leases around the Marianas would have no coastal impact.

Election 2026: Former Gov. Benigno Fitial endorsed Republican gubernatorial candidate Ralph Torres and running mate Benjamin Jones, while Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds called for political unity to help revive the CNMI economy. Attorney general candidate Joaquin Torres also met with Tinian voters. Public Schools: The Board of Education is weighing a lawsuit over the constitutional guarantee that public schools receive at least 25% of Commonwealth revenue. A veto override would still leave PSS short of $32 million, as officials warn of deep cuts. Government and Taxes: The Senate fiscal affairs committee is set to review bills imposing a 1% fee on off-island remittances and taxing short-term rentals. The CNMI has also asked FEMA for a disaster loan of up to $5 million to help fund government operations after Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Energy and Infrastructure: Gov. David Apatang wants the CNMI to study small modular nuclear reactors as a possible way to reduce power costs. Tinian’s port remains open, though aging infrastructure and access problems limit some vessels.**

Disaster Recovery: The Army Corps says it has installed temporary roofs for 116 Rota families hit by Super Typhoon Bavi, while the CNMI is seeking up to $5 million in federal disaster loans to help cover government operations after Sinlaku. Senate Agenda: Senators are set to review proposals for a 1% remittance fee and a tax on short-term rentals. Unemployment Aid: Sinlaku-affected workers have until Oct. 24 to apply for disaster assistance; officials warn payments may not arrive until 2027. Governor’s Race: Candidates BJ Attao, Lawrence Camacho and Ralph Torres outlined plans on healthcare, the economy and their first 100 days in office. Public Schools: With payroll reserves reportedly at risk by mid-November, Board of Education Chair Maisie Tenorio is urging the school system to sue over its funding allocation. Military Presence: Gov. David Apatang says the CNMI lacks the land for a proposed major U.S. base, though officials see potential for smaller military facilities and a logistics hub.

Disaster Funding: The CNMI has asked FEMA for a disaster loan of up to $5 million to help cover government operations after Super Typhoon Sinlaku; approval is pending. Taxes and Elections: Senate lawmakers will review proposals for a 1% fee on off-island remittances and a tax on short-term rentals. Gov. David Apatang has also declared Nov. 3 Election Day a legal holiday. Sinlaku Aid: Workers affected by the typhoon have until Oct. 24 to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance, though payments may not arrive until 2027. Gubernatorial Race: The three candidates outlined plans on healthcare, economic development and accountability, including priorities for their first 100 days. Public Schools: Board of Education chair Maisie Tenorio urged the school system to seek court intervention over what she says is inadequate constitutional funding, as PSS faces severe budget pressure. Military and Infrastructure: Apatang says the CNMI lacks the land for a proposed major U.S. base, while officials are seeking federal support for more than $12.5 billion in infrastructure projects.

Gubernatorial Race: Ralph Torres, Blas Attao and Lawrence Camacho returned to the Saipan Chamber forum to discuss healthcare, military development, taxes and their first 100 days. Camacho called the medical referral system unsustainable; Attao stressed preventive care, while Torres pointed to Medicaid and nursing-program expansion. Military Plans: Gov. David Apatang says the CNMI lacks the contiguous land needed for a proposed major U.S. base, but officials say smaller military sites could be possible. The Commonwealth has submitted more than $12.5 billion in infrastructure projects for federal consideration. Schools Under Strain: Board of Education Chair Maisie Tenorio urged the board to sue over public school funding, arguing the FY2027 allocation violates the constitutional guarantee of 25% of general revenues. PSS warns the budget could sharply cut classroom days as payroll reserves near exhaustion. Storm Aid: Disaster unemployment applications for workers affected by Typhoon Sinlaku are open through Oct. 24, though payments may not arrive until 2027. Seabed Mining: A CNMI lawsuit challenging federal approval of a seabed-mining lease will proceed without a separate hearing, as a pending American Samoa case raises overlapping issues.

Disaster Aid: CNMI Labor has opened applications for Sinlaku disaster unemployment assistance, but payments may not arrive until 2027. Workers must apply by Oct. 24; some CW-1 workers may qualify. Gubernatorial Race: Ralph Torres, Blas Attao and Lawrence Camacho returned to finish the Chamber forum after a storm-related power outage, discussing healthcare, military development, taxes and their first 100 days. Education Funding: Public School System board chair Maisie Tenorio urged the board to sue the Commonwealth, arguing lawmakers shorted schools their constitutionally guaranteed share as payroll reserves near exhaustion. Military Plans: Gov. David Apatang says the CNMI cannot host a proposed major U.S. base requiring up to 250,000 contiguous acres. Officials say smaller military sites remain possible, as the Commonwealth seeks $12.5 billion in federal infrastructure support. Election Day: Apatang declared Nov. 3 a legal holiday under Commonwealth law.

Seabed Mining: The CNMI’s challenge to federal seabed leasing will follow a related Samoa case, with no separate hearing planned; a ruling there could shape the Marianas lawsuit. School Funding: Public School System Chair Maisie Tenorio wants the board to sue the Commonwealth, arguing the FY2027 budget fails to meet the constitutionally guaranteed 25% share of general revenues. The district warns payroll reserves could run out by mid-November. Military Plans: Gov. David Apatang says the CNMI lacks the land for a proposed major U.S. base, but officials say the islands could host smaller military sites and seek $12.5 billion in federal infrastructure support. Government Cuts: The shutdown has ended, but most government workers face a 26.5-hour workweek under the new budget. Election Day: Nov. 3 will be a legal holiday in the CNMI. Disaster Aid: Workers affected by Typhoon Sinlaku can apply for disaster unemployment assistance through Oct. 24.

PSS Funding Crisis: Board of Education Chair Maisie Tenorio is urging the school board to direct the education commissioner to sue the Commonwealth, arguing the roughly $25 million FY2027 allocation violates the constitutional guarantee of at least 25% of general revenues for public schools. PSS says payroll reserves could run out by mid-November. Military and Infrastructure: Gov. David Apatang says the CNMI cannot meet a federal request for 100,000 to 250,000 contiguous acres for a major military base, though officials see a role for smaller sites. The administration has submitted more than $12.5 billion in infrastructure projects for federal consideration. Disaster Aid: CNMI workers and self-employed people whose livelihoods were affected by Super Typhoon Sinlaku can apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance through Oct. 24. Election Day: Nov. 3 will be a legal holiday across the Commonwealth. Government Operations: The shutdown has ended, but most government workers face a 26.5-hour workweek under the FY2027 budget.

Disaster Assistance: Applications open today for federal unemployment aid for workers affected by Super Typhoon Sinlaku; the deadline is Oct. 24. Military Planning: Gov. David Apatang says the CNMI cannot meet a request for 100,000 to 250,000 acres for a proposed U.S. military base, though officials say smaller sites could support military operations. The administration is also seeking federal help for more than $12.5 billion in infrastructure projects. Election: Apatang declared Nov. 3, Election Day, a legal holiday under CNMI law. Budget Pressure: The FY 2027 budget limits central government workers to 26.5 hours a week, and Apatang estimates up to 400 employees could face furloughs. Public schools are also weighing cuts that could reduce instruction to as little as 2.5 to three days a week.