Finance Committee

Reviews and develops legislation related to the state budget, taxation, appropriations, and fiscal policy that determines how Yap State raises and spends public funds.

This committee holds critical responsibility for Yap State’s financial health and fiscal management. The committee examines all legislation with budgetary implications, reviews the state budget proposal, and provides oversight of how public money is collected and spent to serve the people of Yap.

The committee’s primary responsibility is reviewing the annual state budget submitted by the Governor. Members analyze proposed expenditures across all government departments and programs, evaluate revenue projections, and recommend adjustments to ensure the budget is balanced, realistic, and aligned with state priorities. This comprehensive review ensures public funds are allocated responsibly and effectively.

On revenue matters, the committee considers legislation affecting state taxes, fees, licenses, and other sources of government income. The committee examines how revenue measures impact citizens and businesses while ensuring the state has adequate resources to provide essential services.

Regarding appropriations, the committee reviews all bills requiring state funding, assessing whether proposed expenditures are justified, affordable, and serve the public interest. The committee also monitors spending throughout the year to ensure appropriated funds are used as intended.

The committee provides oversight of financial management practices across state government, working to promote transparency, accountability, and sound fiscal stewardship. This includes reviewing financial reports, examining procurement practices, and addressing concerns about government spending.

The committee holds public hearings on the state budget and major fiscal legislation, providing citizens the opportunity to comment on spending priorities and revenue proposals. These hearings are essential to ensuring budget decisions reflect community values and needs.

Committee meetings are open to the public unless discussing matters requiring confidentiality. Meeting schedules and agendas are posted in advance on this website and at the Legislature building.

Members of Committee

Pius Final Portraits

Hon. Pius Talimeisei

Chairman
Laamar Final Portrait

Hon. Anne-Marie Laamar

Vice Chairman
Vice Speaker Final Portrait

Hon. Theodore “Ted” Rutun

Member

Bills Assigned

Bill
Passed
To further amend Yap State Law No. 11-29, as amended by Yap State Law No. 11-102, by amending the Title and Section 1 to appropriate an additional sum of $48,400 from the Special Revenue Fund of the State of Yap for the Pediatric Mental Health Care Access (PMHCA) program in the Department of Health Services during Fiscal Year 2026, and for other purposes.
11-156
– Passed: 23 Dec 2025
Bill
Passed
To appropriate the sum of $130,248.59 from the Infrastructure Maintenance Fund (IMF) of the State of Yap for the purpose of providing funding for the Satawal Community Building Renovations Project during Fiscal Year 2026, and for other purposes.
11-155
– Passed: 23 Dec 2025
Bill
Passed
To appropriate the sum of $34,821 from the General Fund of the State of Yap for the purpose of providing funding for payment of outstanding credit by Yap State government to Yap Fishing Authority during Fiscal Year 2026, and for other purposes.
11-153
– Passed: 23 Dec 2025
Bill
Passed
To appropriate the sum of $17,500 from the Special Revenue Fund of the State of Yap for the purpose of appropriating SPREP grant funds awarded for the Division of Agriculture and Forestry in the Department of Resources and Development during Fiscal Year 2025, and for other purposes.
11-123
– Passed: 7 Jul 2025
Bill
Passed
To amend Yap State Law No. 11-101, by amending the Title and Section 1 for the purpose of appropriating an additional sum of $212,926 from the Special Revenue Fund of the State of Yap, U.S. Federal grant funds, for the Waab Community Health Center with the Department of Health Services during Fiscal Year 2025, and for other purposes.
11-122
– Passed: 7 Jul 2026
Bill
Passed
To appropriate the sum of $83,330 from the General Fund of the State of Yap for the purpose of providing funding to fund the State of Yap hosting the 4th Micronesian Expo during Fiscal Year 2025, and for other purposes.
11-121
– Passed: 7 Jul 2025
Bill
In Progress
To amend Title 13 of the Yap State Code, by enacting a new Section 107 regarding exemptions to state taxes, by renumbering Sections 107 through 114 as Sections 108 through 115, respectively, and for other purposes.
11-143
– Introduced: 6 May 2025
Bill
In Progress
To amend Yap State Law No. 11-148, by amending Section 2 to approve the reprogramming of certain funds appropriated therein during Fiscal Year 2026, and for other purposes.
11-228
– Introduced: 19 Jun 2026