Chamber supports status bill

The Saipan Chamber of Commerce is supporting the Northern Mariana Islands Workforce Stabilization Act, legislation I introduced to give U.S. permanent resident status to long-term workers and investors. Chamber President Velma Palacios wrote, “The changes outlined in this bill would provide an avenue for existing foreign workers to remain in the CNMI to support our businesses. We very much appreciate your effort and attention to our workforce issues.” And I appreciate the Chamber’s letter. Official statements of support from community leaders can be extremely helpful to me in moving legislation in Congress. I hope other community organizations take a look at the bill, and come to the same conclusion as the Chamber: converting CW workers to U.S. workers is one way to respond to the needs of our growing economy. The Saipan Chamber comprises more than 160 private businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.