Governor Apatang Signs FY 2026 Budget

As of [December 23, 2025], Governor David M. Apatang signed the Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations Act and House Bill 24-75 into law, enacting Public Laws 24-20 and 24-19 and taking decisive action to protect healthcare coverage for thousands of CNMI retirees while ensuring a balanced and constitutionally sound budget.

A top priority of the Administration was preventing any disruption to the Group Health and Life Insurance (GHLI) program. Through Public Law 24-19, the Governor authorized $3,747,585 in newly identified revenues, with $2.81 million dedicated to retiree premium payments. Combined with FY 2026 appropriations, the Administration has secured approximately $7.2 million to sustain healthcare coverage for more than 7,000 lives across the Commonwealth.

In signing the FY 2026 budget, Governor Apatang exercised his authority under Article II, Section 7 of the NMI Constitution to issue targeted line-item vetoes to provisions that were unconstitutional, fiscally unsound, or in conflict with existing law. These actions included rejecting a $4.43 million General Fund adjustment that lacked an identified revenue source, preserving the separation of powers in personnel and operational matters, and protecting federally restricted grant funds from improper reappropriation. To maintain a balanced budget, overall expenditure levels were adjusted to $134.5 million.

Governor Apatang also raised concern over reductions to key sectors critical to the Commonwealth’s recovery and future growth. The Marianas Visitors Authority budget was reduced to $3.5 million, a level the Governor cautioned could undermine tourism recovery. Funding for the Public School System, while set at $36.2 million, remains $1.5 million below the Administration’s proposal, and the Governor continues to advocate for a consolidated funding level of $41.1 million.

“These actions reflect our responsibility to govern with discipline and respect for the Constitution,” said Governor Apatang. “By protecting healthcare, maintaining fiscal balance, and preserving the proper roles of government, we are strengthening the foundation for long-term stability in the Commonwealth.”

Governor Apatang and Lieutenant Governor Dennis James C. Mendiola thanked the Legislature for its work during the budget process and extended warm wishes to the families of the Commonwealth for a safe and joyful Christmas season.