After a month of deliberation and a tense legislative conference committee meeting, CNMI Governor Arnold Palacios signed the revised budget for Fiscal Year 2023. The governor says the $116 million budget comes just a few days away from when the 2024 budget is due on May 1. The governor says his line item vetos do not change the numbers but removes redundant language and reporting requirements. He was joined by house and senate lawmakers as he signed it into law today.

"I am very, very happy to be signing this revised budget. As you know, we had to do it and this is part of the cost containment and actually setting aside resources to priorities that we all have come to agree on," Palacios said.

Sen. Edith Deleon Guerrero, Senate President, said, "I do agree that we need to move forward. We just do not know what exactly you will veto this morning but I guess we will get to see that when it reaches the legislature."

House speaker Rep. Edmund Villagomez added, "Just like the senate president said, we do not know what you are going to veto but we might have to take back our message after you veto."

The two branches came together after learning American Rescue Plan funds were overspent but the previous administration, leading to a 72-work hour schedule every other Monday until September for some executive branch employees.