While the Senate awaits the re-submission by the administration of the fiscal year 2016 budget in print form — in the form of budget books — Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee chairman Laolagi F.S. Vaeao is requesting several financial reports from the Executive Branch, through the Legislative Finance Office.

One of the reports being sought is the spending in FY 2015 for the Special Programs category, which is overseen by the Governor’s Office. During yesterday’s Senate session, Sen. Magalei Logovi’i requested financial reports for both expenditures and spending of Special Programs.

He says the budget summary shows a huge increase in FY 2016 as compared to FY 2015. While operational costs for the government have been reduced in FY 2016, the Special Programs received a hike in funding allocation.

According to the budget summary, FY 2016 budget for Special Programs totals $25.52 million while the approved FY 2015 funding is $22.12 million — an increase of about $15.4% — or $3.4 million

Among the activities that are included in the Special Programs budget category is the ASG subsidy to the hospital for $6 million; American Samoa Community College subsidy of $3 million; Airport General Fund subsidy $1 million; Insurance Premium $1.2 million; EOB electric and water fund $700,000; ASG Debt Service $2.5 million — to defray principal and interest payments accrued during the year for the government’s $20 million loan from the Retirement Fund; and $800,000 for the Road Maintenance subsidy.

Lawmakers are expected to question ASG officials on the 43 projects  and programs to be funded in FY 2016 under the Special Programs category. Samoa News will report next week on other interesting projects being proposed under Special Programs for FY 2016.