Saipan delegation passes $2.5 million local appropriation after widespread public support

The Saipan and Northern Islands legislative delegation on June 18, 2025, voted unanimously to pass House Local Bill 24‑12, approving a $2,500,000 appropriation from revenues collected pursuant to Saipan Local Law 11‑2, as amended, to fund scholarships, athletes, community organizations and other local programs.

Supporters said the appropriation will sustain scholarship awards and youth programs while several nonprofit leaders and coaches described immediate needs. Representative BJ Atau, the bill’s author, formally introduced the measure as an omnibus local appropriation. The acting floor leader moved for passage and the delegation recorded a unanimous vote with all 19 members present voting in favor.

The bill matters to the Third Senatorial District and other precincts because it directs local revenues into multiple programs that supporters said fill gaps left by federal funding reductions. Mildred Sablan Camacho, administrator of the CNMI Scholarship…