The acting Finance Secretary has told members of the House in the Northern Marianas that government finances are in a scary state and they are "really low on cash".
Photo: 123rf
David Atalig and Special Assistant for Management and Budget Vicky Villagomez fielded questions from House members regarding the $US12 million budget cut for fiscal year 2019.
The Marianas Variety reported Mr Atalig told lawmakers that despite the shortfall in the 2019 projection revenue, the government is trying to meet its obligations.
He acknowledged the state of cash flow was scary but he added that payroll and retirement obligations remained the government's priorities.
He said revenue for the first quarter of FY 2019 was over $US45 million or 4.7 percent less than the projection.
In the second quarter the government collected $US25 million or about 20 percent of the projection.