BILL TO RAISE SMALL CLAIMS LIMIT — FOR FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS ONLY

Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga has submitted a bill to raised the small claims limit for banks, savings and loan institutions, amending the local statute on the trial of small claims.

According to the preamble of this administration proposed bill, this act is to aid local banks and savings and loan institutions by simplifying the collection on defaulted loans with unpaid principal interests, fees and costs totaling $7,500 or less, and to significantly reduce the legal fees and costs incurred by borrowers responding to collection actions filed in the Small Claims division of the District Court.

The proposed bill says that the increased limit of $7,500 does not apply to small claims initiated by any other individuals or entities except financial institutions.

Any individual defendant having a claim filed against him or her pursuant to this subsection and for an amount more than $3,000 may make a timely application to the court for transfer of the matter out of the small claims department to be handled as a regular civil case within the District Court, and the option, if timely,  shall be granted as a matter of right.

NOMINATION FOR IMMIGRATION BOARD MEMBERS

Governor Lolo Moliga has nominated Matagi Ray McMoore, Fagaima Solaita, Senator Tuiasina Esera and Representative Timusa Tini Lam Yuen to serve on the Immigration board for terms of four and three years (Matagi and Fagaima) and for the remainder of their current terms in office for Tuiasina and Timusa. Lolo said all these individuals have lengthy records of service to their families and to the community at large. All these nominees possess the requisite knowledge and understanding of the role of the Immigration board in protecting our borders and preserving economic opportunities for the people of American Samoa.

SANITOA CALLS ON COMMITTEE TO BRING FORTH INCREMENT RESOLUTION

Tualauta Rep Larry Sanitoa has called on the Budget and Appropriations Committee to bring forth for discussion a House Concurrent Resolution (HCR) calling on Governor Lolo to lift the suspension of the increments. The announcement was made during the house regular session earlier this week, and the resolution is sponsored by Larry Sanitoa, Vailoata Eteuati Amituana’i and Taotasi Archie Soliai.

According to the HCR, in efforts to contain spending and provide stability to the American Samoa Government’s financial condition, the governor had ordered the suspension of step-increments for ASG employees in 2013.

It’s been reported that with the increase in revenue collections and the implementation of additional cost- saving measures, the government finances have improved dramatically compared to previous fiscal years.

During the FY2015 proposed budget hearings, it was projected that revenue collections will increase considerably and are an indication that the measures sacrificed for financial recovery may now be resumed.

The measure goes on to say this step-increment policy was created to reward government employees for their hard work and was conditioned on a positive review of their performance by supervisors and directors. “It was also anticipated to help lift office morale and provide an incentive for workers to strive for better annual evaluations.”

“As the moratorium continues, the original intended effect of increments wane and could be replaced by complacency and substandard performance. With the improved financial state of the government and projections of steady increase in revenues, it would be proper to resume salary increments for government employees,” it states.

Sanitoa pointed out that there are a lot of bills pending before committees and they should be brought forth.