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Rota delegation defends $155,000 casino funding after governor signs bill into law
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Summary
The Rota Legislative Delegation on Jan. 8 welcomed Governor Arnold Palacios’s signing of House Local Bill 23-61, which allocates $155,000 for the Rota Casino Gaming operation, and responded to a commission letter that urged a veto by asserting the delegation’s authority and adding safeguards for fund custody and commissioner payments.
The Rota Legislative Delegation on Jan. 8 welcomed Governor Arnold Palacios’s signing of House Local Bill 23-61 and said the $155,000 appropriation will support the continued operation of the Rota Casino Gaming.
Representative Ogo praised the governor’s action, saying, “I just would like to give appreciation and gratitude to Governor Arnold Palacios for signing this into law, House Local Bill 23‑61 draft 2 to appropriate the $155,000 for the continued operation of the Rota Casino Gaming.”
The signing prompted discussion after the delegation said it had received a letter from the Rota Casino Gaming Commission (RCGC) urging a veto. Senator Dennis Mendiola, floor leader, asked for patience from the commission as the delegation and commissioners work together on policy changes. Chairman Senator Donald Manglona said the delegation responded to the RCGC letter by asserting the delegation’s authority to allocate license‑fee funds, while noting that allocations should be made with “the advice and consent of the mayor and the council.”
Why it matters: Delegation members said the appropriation includes language intended to address unpaid obligations to past and present commission members and to place controls on disbursement. Chairman Manglona told members the bill text can require that “the municipal treasury shall be the custodian of the funds” and that the municipal treasurer be bonded before issuing payments.
During remarks, members stressed collaboration with the municipal government and the commission as they implement the appropriation. Senator Mendiola said the delegation plans to meet with the RCGC to pursue new policies “that’ll be beneficial for our people” and asked the commission for patience while those discussions proceed.
No additional votes on the appropriation were taken at the session; the bill had been presented to the delegation as a governor’s communication after it was signed into law. Delegation members said they may pursue technical amendments to the law in future sessions to clarify procedures for custody and issuance of the funds.
Votes at a glance - Motion to adopt Rota Legislative Delegation Journal No. 2312 (4th day, 4th regular session, dated Dec. 6, 2024): adopted by voice; mover identified in the record as the floor leader; second not specified; no objections recorded. - Motion to adopt Rota Legislative Delegation Journal No. 2313 (5th day, 4th regular session; exact date in record listed as January 2025, exact day not specified): adopted by voice; mover identified in the record as the floor leader; second not specified; no objections recorded. - Motion to open communications (file communications): adopted by voice; mover identified in the record as the floor leader; second not specified. - Motion to adjourn (subject to the call of the chair): adopted by voice; mover identified in the record as the floor leader; second not specified.
The delegation did not take further formal action on the RCGC appropriation at the Jan. 8 session. Members said they intend to follow up with the commission, the mayor’s office and the municipal treasury to clarify implementation and to consider possible statutory amendments.
