2 Oct 2015

American Samoa governor vetoes budget

12:16 pm on 2 October 2015

The American Samoa governor has vetoed parts of the bill for this year's budget.

American Samoa Governor Lolo Moliga.

American Samoa Governor Lolo Moliga. Photo: RNZI Monica Miller

The US$417 million budget was signed into law by Governor Lolo Moliga yesterday on the last day of the 2015 fiscal year.

But the governor vetoed the increase of US$768,500 in the Legislature's budget and US$224,000 which was added to the Judiciary's budget.

This funding came from cuts made by the Fono to the Visitors Bureau budget and the Governor's Office Special Programs.

Speaking to the House Speaker and Senate President, Governor Moliga said American Samoa must wean itself off depending on the tuna industry and promote its small but gowing tourism industry.

He said the Special Programs are needed to properly manage the business of government, provide adequate maintenance of facilities and invest in the future of our people.

A Special Session the legislature will be called today to discuss the supplemental appropriations.