American Samoa's acting treasurer, Talia Faafetai Iaulualo, has told a Senate hearing that there is no funding in the current budget for a bill that would grant 10 thousand US dollars to lawmakers after 20 years consecutive service.
The bill, sponsored by Senator, Mataytia Tuiafono, calls for the grant to be introduced immediately after it is signed into law by the governor and says the funding should come from the government's general fund.
Talia says any unplanned expenditure like this one cannot be funded from this year's budget and suggested the Senate consider postponing the benefit until the new fiscal year.
Another way to raise the money, to introduce the gratuity this session, was suggested by Senator Faiivae Galeai who proposed a 25 US dollar license fee for dogs.
