Last Updated on Monday, 11 June 2012 19:53 Written by PNC Saipan Correspondent Mark Rabago Monday, 11 June 2012 08:03
Guam News - Guam News
Guam -The CNMI's own overspending led to the 13.6-percent food stamp benefit decrease starting May 1st of this year, according to U.S. Food and Nutrition Services Administrator Audrey Rowe.Dim lights Embed Embed this video on your site
The Saipan Tribune reports that Rowe wrote a letter to U.S. Delegate Gregorio Kilili Sablan explaining that the CNMI food stamp budget for fiscal year 2012 was approved with an average benefit level of $242 per household.
However, the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, which administers the local food stamp program, instead gave an average of $273 per household—some $31 more per household than agreed upon.
In another blow to the local food stamp program, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack said the $4.5 million in de-obligated food stamp program block grant that the Commonwealth was unable to use from fiscal years 2007 through 2011 will not be restored.
Sablan said it is painful to see $4.5 million lost because the CNMI did not spend the money to feed needy families.
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