FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Senator Terlaje Responds to FOIA, Awaiting Public Hearing on her Bill 13-38

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (February 1, 2025 – Hagåtña, Guam) – Senator Terlaje responded immediately to the Governor’s FOIA request, calling it another attempt by the Governor to distract and question motives of everyone else but the governor while GMH deteriorates. Senator Terlaje, the former Health Committee Chair, reminds the Governor that a public-private partnership was recommended to be pursued by the 2016 Guam Memorial Hospital Task Force, and that a Request for Information (RFI) 16-001 for a private partnership was issued by GEDA in 2016 pursuant to Public Law 33-143. It was also discussed by the governor during her 2024 state of the island address that she was “in active discussions with off-island experts” and there was a “need to partner with private healthcare experts” to address hospital operations. In 2020, Bill 305-35 was also introduced to mandate a public-private partnership for GMH but was objected to by GMH.

“Relative to the FOIA, I have no written communication and certainly no negotiations with any private company regarding any form of public-private partnership with the Guam Memorial Hospital. Bill 13-38 which I introduced cites the public reports preceding the bill and requires a P3 Committee to develop an RFP detailing the scope of the partnership, to submit said RFP to the Legislature for financing, and then to solicit responses.”

“As Chair of the Committee on Health, I held a public hearing on Bill No. 305-35 and the two written testimonies received by my office were sent to the Governor along with the link to the public hearing: https://www.youtube.com/live/9AqCsgmBjGE.  I also attached to my FOIA response, the UOG PMBA Cohort XIX Capstone Paper sent to me by one of the students, which discussed GMH and recommended a public-private partnership”.

“I would guess that every elected official on Guam has listened to and discussed with individuals in our community whether privatizing GMH management would improve its current state, especially after this type of partnership was suggested by the Governor and Lt. Governor. I look forward to the input of GMH, GEDA, the medical community and other stakeholders, and await the public hearing on my bill.”

As a longtime advocate for transparent and accountable government, Terlaje remains committed to ensuring that all discussions about GMH’s future are conducted openly and in the best interest of the people of Guam. “I agree with the Governor that full transparency is needed when it comes to GMH and hospital issues, which is why I held the numerous oversights, info briefings and public hearings regarding GMH and the potential location of a new hospital. I look forward to full disclosure and less distractions by the Executive Branch moving forward” stated Senator Terlaje.

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ATTACHED: FOIA Response from Senator Terlaje

FOIA Letter from Senator Terlaje

Bill No. 13-38(COR)

Guam Daily Post Article: Public-private partnership may be needed for GMH operations

For more information, please contact Senator Therese M. Terlaje’s office at (671) 472-3586 or via e-mail at senatorterlajeguam@gmail.com

TMT PR Response to Governor’s FOIA w AttachmentsDownload

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SENATOR TERLAJE INVITES THE COMMUNITY TO HONOR NATIONAL DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR DOWNWINDERS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (January 23, 2025 – Hagåtña, Guam) – “On behalf of the Guam Legislature, we stand in solemn remembrance of those who endured the devastating effects of radiation exposure, and we renew our commitment to advocating for justice and recognition for all affected, including the people of Guam,” Senator Therese M. Terlaje.

Senator Terlaje invites the community to join her and her colleagues on Monday, January 27, 2025, at 12PM at the Guam Congress Building, Public Hearing Room, for a special presentation in recognition of the National Day of Remembrance for Downwinders. This event honors the individuals who were impacted by U.S. nuclear testing and endured the effects of radiation exposure, including leukemia, multiple myeloma, lymphoma (other than Hodgkin’s disease), and primary cancers of the: thyroid, male or female breast, esophagus, stomach, pharynx, small intestine, pancreas, bile ducts, gallbladder, salivary gland, urinary bladder, brain, colon, ovary, liver (except if cirrhosis or hepatitis B is indicated), and lung.

Guam residents were exposed as Downwinders from nuclear testing in the Pacific from 1946 to 1962, and seven (7) of the top ten (10) adult cancers in Guam are those compensable for some jurisdictions under the U.S. Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA). The Pacific Association of Radiation Survivors (PARS) and the Guam Legislature continue to advocate for the inclusion of Guam in the RECA.

Let us remember those we’ve lost, support the survivors, and continue to push for justice and recognition for all impacted.

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For more information, please contact Senator Therese M. Terlaje’s office at (671) 472-3586 or via e-mail at senatorterlajeguam@gmail.com

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- ​Senator Therese M. Terlaje Secures Funding for GBHWC Nurse Salary Increase

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (January 22, 2025 – Hagåtña, Guam) – Senator Therese M. Terlaje has successfully secured funds for the 18% salary increases for nurses at the Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center (GBHWC).

Senator Terlaje previously passed an amendment to the FY2025 budget which gives $198,197 of excess revenues to GBHWC “for payment of the eighteen percent (18%) increase in the Nurse’s Pay Plan for Fiscal Year 2025”. The Government of Guam passed an 18% pay increase on April 1, 2024, for nurse salaries, as recommended by a wage study conducted by the Department of Administration. However, the salary increase was not accounted for in GBHWC’s budget request nor the budget bill reported out by the Committee on Appropriations. Senator Terlaje’s proactive efforts ensure that nurses at GBHWC receive the 18% pay increase they deserve and ensure they are fairly compensated for their critical work.

The December 2024 Consolidated Revenue and Expenditures Report (CRER) revealed that the government so far collected $21.8 million more than projected for FY2025. During budget deliberations, then-Speaker Terlaje accurately predicted higher-than-adopted government revenues based on historical trends of collections from past budgets. Senator Terlaje attempted to raise the overall budget of GovGuam so that more agencies could get the funding they need. However, the lack of support from some colleagues left essential agencies such as the Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center (GBHWC) waiting until the release of the CRER to obtain much needed funds.

“Supporting our nurses is a matter of ensuring quality healthcare for our island. These raises are long overdue and show that we as an island are valuing the dedication and sacrifices of those on the frontlines of mental health and wellness” Senator Terlaje said.

This funding reflects Senator Terlaje’s continued dedication to addressing healthcare and workforce needs for Guam’s residents.

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For more information, please contact Senator Therese M. Terlaje’s office at (671) 472-3586 or via e-mail at senatorterlajeguam@gmail.com

1.122.2025. TMT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- Senator Therese M. Terlaje Secures Funding for GBHWC Nurse Salary Increases.docxDownload

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- ​Shortfall Addressed: Senator Terlaje Secures Funding for Services for Persons with Disabilities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (January 22, 2025 – Hagåtña, Guam) – Senator Therese Terlaje’s critical amendment to the FY2025 budget will now come into effect to continue and enhance services for individuals with disabilities with the December Consolidated Revenue and Expenditure Report (CRER) showing $21.8M in excess revenues for the first quarter of FY2025.

During the legislative discussions for the FY2025 budget, DISID submitted a formal request to the Chairman on Appropriations to “urgently request” for an increase of $375,000 needed to sustain operations “and meet the growing needs of our clients”. This vital funding for enhancement of services such as group homes, in-home services, and day services that directly benefit individuals with disabilities was not included in the bill as reported by the Appropriations Committee.

Recognizing the urgency of DISID’s appeal and understanding the essential services that DISID provides to the island community, Senator Terlaje amended the FY2025 Budget Act to give $375,000 in excess revenues needed to meet the department’s operational demands. 

“While I would have preferred that DISID’s request was fully addressed from the start of the fiscal year with immediate funding, giving them excess revenues was the next best solution to get them the funding they urgently needed. The services are in high demand, and for persons with disabilities are critical to their quality of life.” Senator Terlaje stated. 

This budget amendment is another example of solutions that support Guam’s essential agencies and address the needs of the island’s underserved populations.

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For more information, please contact Senator Therese M. Terlaje’s office at (671) 472-3586 or via e-mail at senatorterlajeguam@gmail.com

1.22.2025. TMT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- Shortfall Addressed_ Senator Terlaje Secures Funding for Services for Persons with Disabilities.docxDownload

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-Senator Therese M. Terlaje Introduces Bill 12-38 to Restore Vital Health Services at Mangilao Facility

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (January 14, 2025 – Hagåtña, Guam) – Senator Therese M. Terlaje has re-introduced legislation to restore critical medical and family care services lost by the 2019 abrupt closing of the public health clinic in Mangilao. As pointed out during testimony by the Acting Chief Public Health Officer, the Mangilao facility was the sole location offering specific essential services. The facility housed critical resources, including a new X-ray machine, laboratory, dental office, and other vital equipment, all of which were left unused following its closure, leading to the discontinuation of those services. The Administrator for the Bureau of Family Health and Nursing Services also testified that only half as many pregnant patients were being cared for outside of the Mangilao facility and half as many patients treated for communicable disease as of January 2024, and urged the reopening of maternal health, communicable disease, blood testing, lab, x-ray, pharmacy, and dental services to address the critical need for accessible healthcare services in Guam. Bill No. 12-38(COR) proposes reserving Lot No. 2417-1-R7, the former Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) main building in Mangilao, for immediate use as a central health clinic. The legislation also authorizes continued partnership with federally funded community health centers, and the Guam Community College Nursing Program, to strengthen Guam’s healthcare workforce.

The Mangilao facility, which was forced to close in 2019 due to a fire, once served as a central hub for essential health services. Before its closure, the facility recorded over 8,300 service encounters annually, including nearly 1,800 women’s health services and 600 child health services. Since the facility’s closure, these numbers have plummeted by 49%, with child health services seeing a staggering 73% decline by 2023.

“This decline represents more than just numbers—it reflects families unable to access the care they need,” said Speaker Terlaje. If enacted, the bill will empower DPHSS to immediately rebuild its capacity to deliver comprehensive health services, mitigate barriers to care, and restore public trust in Guam’s healthcare infrastructure. Additionally, if the property is not utilized as intended within five years, the legislation ensures its transfer to Guam Community Health Centers to fulfill the same purpose.

“This bill aims to urgently restore the clinic and services that were lost, and directly address the disparities in healthcare suffered and rising since 2019,” Speaker Terlaje concluded.

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ATTACHED: Bill No. 12-38 (COR)

For more information, please contact Senator Therese M. Terlaje’s office at (671) 472-3586 or via e-mail at senatorterlajeguam@gmail.com

1.14.2025. TMT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- Senator Therese M. Terlaje Introduces Bill 12-38 to Restore Vital Health Services at Mangilao FacilityDownload
Bill No. 12-38 (COR) tmtDownload

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-Senator Terlaje Urges a Path to Improvement through a Public-Private Partnership for GMHA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (January 14, 2025 – Hagåtña, Guam) – Senator Therese M. Terlaje began off the 38th Guam Legislature with a bold initiative, introducing a bill on the first day of the new term to mandate a Public-Private Partnership (P3) for the Guam Memorial Hospital. This legislation aims to address critical challenges at GMHA, which would improve healthcare services for the people in Guam. (Bill was numbered and processed by the Clerk on January 13 as Bill No. 13-38(COR)). 

The bill first creates a GMHA P3 Committee to oversee the development of a Request For Proposal (RFP) that defines the details of the Public-Private Partnership agreement and requires the Guam Memorial Hospital Authority (GMHA) to partner with a private organization to improve its management, operations, finances,  and other key areas.

The idea of a Public-Private Partnership for GMH is not new and the bill is a cumulation of previous stakeholders’ input. It has been extensively studied or supported by key stakeholders, including the 2016 Guam Memorial Hospital Task Force, the Guam Economic Development Authority (GEDA), and the Executive Branch. In 2016, GEDA’s Request for Information (RFI 16-001) demonstrated strong interest from private organizations capable of, and interested in contributing to GMHA’s operations and management. While a bill previously introduced in the 35th Guam Legislature attempted to establish a Public-Private Partnership, the hospital’s leadership testified against it, citing concerns such as the hospital already being on a “path to improvement” and fears that a Public-Private Partnership would displace current personnel.

Bill No. 13-38(COR) addresses these concerns directly. It ensures protections for existing staff while recognizing that despite GMH’s efforts to improve, serious challenges persist. The bill protects the hardworking staff of GMH by including a provision to ensure that all non-management employees, including nurses and other critical personnel, retain their jobs and associated benefits, providing stability and continuity during the transition. The RFP to be developed will build on information gathered from GEDA’s current contract with a hospital consultant, audits pointing out flaws with previous consulting contracts and will address procurement and funding concerns. 

As plans for a new hospital move forward, Senator Terlaje emphasizes that a modern building alone will not solve the deeper systemic issues facing GMH. Persistent challenges such as inefficient billing and collections processes, the need for a new Electronic Health Records (EHR) system, and outdated Medicare rebasing rates should be resolved well before a new hospital opens. A partnership with a private organization experienced in hospital management will provide the expertise needed to address these issues and ensure a smooth transition to a fully functional, state-of-the-art healthcare facility. 

“A Public-Private Partnership offers the best path forward for GMH,” said Senator Terlaje. “It allows the government to ensure critical services like maternal care remain accessible, while bringing in private-sector expertise to improve efficiency and address long-standing challenges.” Senator Terlaje looks forward to the public hearing process when community members and stakeholders can share their input to help shape this critical health care initiative.

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ATTACHED: Bill No. 13-38(COR)

For more information, please contact Senator Therese M. Terlaje’s office at (671) 472-3586 or via e-mail at senatorterlajeguam@gmail.com

Bill No. 13-38 (COR) tmtDownload
1.14.2025. TMT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-Senator Terlaje Urges a Path to Improvement through a Public-Private Partnership for GMHADownload

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-Legislative Achievements and Bipartisan Progress

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (January 3, 2025 – Hagåtña, Guam) – As the 37th Guam Legislature concludes its term, Speaker Therese M. Terlaje releases unofficial summaries of bills passed and committee statistics.


“I am grateful for the voters’ affirmation of and trust in my leadership as Speaker, and the success of all my colleagues in passing legislation during the 37th Guam Legislature”, Speaker Terlaje states.


“Under my leadership, more than 3/4 of the bills passed that responded to and brought aid to our community were authored by Democrats, with the remaining passed through collaboration and authored by the Republicans. In the spirit of bipartisanship we worked with our Republican colleagues to override 3 vetoes, and we will continue to address the people’s needs through collaboration”.


Attached please find a summary of bills passed, which indicates a majority of bills were authored
by:
● Terlaje- 29
● Perez- 19
● Parkinson-17
● San Agustin-12
● Barnett-11

Also attached please find a summary of Committee referrals, hearings and reports filed.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-37th Guam Legislature Legislative Achievements and Bipartisan ProgressDownload
37th GL Bills Statistics Spreadsheet_Updated 010325 (1)Download
37th GL Committee Spreadsheet 010325 – Updated (1)Download

MDA Extends Guam Flight Test Comment Period, Offers Public Meeting; Speaker Terlaje Urges Public to Participate

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (June 24, 2024 – Hagåtña, Guam) – In a response letter to Speaker Therese Terlaje’s June 11, 2024 letter requesting an extension to the Missile Defense Agency’s (MDA) Guam Flight Test Proposed Final Environmental Assessment/ Overseas Environmental Assessment’s (EA/ OEA) public comment period, MDA Director Lieutenant General Heath Collins wrote that the MDA will extend the previous deadline by 30 days. The new public comment period deadline for the MDA’s Guam Flight Test Proposed Final EA/ OEA is now August 2, 2024. 

Furthermore, the MDA, in coordination with Joint Task Force Micronesia Command and Joint Region Marianas Command will offer their environmental and flight test experts to be available for a briefing with local legislators, and for a public meeting on July 25, 2024. The location and time for the public meeting are forthcoming in public notices. 

The deadline extension and public meeting are a win for Guam, but a win that should be taken with determination to increase public involvement in the public comment period process. Recent public comment periods for Department of Defense projects have not seen substantial community involvement, but this extension could change that for upcoming MDA deadlines related to their proposed 360-degree Enhanced Air and Integrated Missile Defense system for Guam. 

On the extension, Speaker Terlaje says the following:

“Thank you to the Missile Defense Agency, in coordination with Joint Task Force Micronesia Command and Joint Region Marianas Command, for granting an extension to the Guam Flight Test’s public comment period. I further thank the joint team for offering their environmental and flight test experts to be available for local legislators and a public meeting so that we can all address important matters like landowner rights, public safety, and protection of the environment for their proposed Guam Flight Test. 

Although seemingly separate, the proposed actions detailed within the Guam Flight Test Proposed Final EA/ OEA are directly related to the proposed 360-degree EIAMD system as they help prepare the MDA to establish the system in Guam.

Therefore, I urge the public to review the Guam Flight Test Proposed Final EA/ OEA and submit questions and concerns to the MDA during this extended public comment period. The Proposed Final EA/OEA and Proposed FONSI are available for download and review at www.mda.mil/system/guamft or you can visit the Dededo and Nieves M. Flores Memorial public libraries to view a printed copy. Comments may be submitted by email to info@GFT-EA.com or by U.S. postal mail to: ManTech International Corporation, Attention: Guam Flight Test EA Project Support, PMB 403 1270 N. Marine Corps Dr., Suite 101, Tamuning, Guam 96913-4331.”

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For more information, please contact Speaker Therese M. Terlaje’s office at (671) 472-3586 or via e-mail at senatorterlajeguam@gmail.com.

Letter-from-Lt-Gen-Collins-MDA-to-Speaker-Terlaje-re-Extending-Comment-PeriodDownload

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Speaker Therese Terlaje to Honor Guam’s Nursing Community

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (May 6, 2024 – Hagåtña, Guam) – In acknowledgment of the invaluable dedication and tireless service rendered by Guam’s nursing professionals, Speaker Therese M. Terlaje introduces Resolution No. 383-37 (LS) which aims to honor and commemorate the unwavering commitment of our island’s nurses during the observance of “National Nurses Month” throughout May 2024, culminating in “National Nurses Day” on May 6th, and extending into “National Nurses Week” from May 6 to May 12, 2024.

The presentation of Resolution No. 383-37 (LS) is scheduled for Thursday, May 9, 2024, at 1:00 p.m., to be held at the Guam Congress Building’s Public Hearing Room.

Speaker Terlaje extends a heartfelt invitation to all of Guam’s esteemed nurses to join in this special occasion at the Guam Congress Building. Let us come together to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of our nursing community during National Nurses Month, National Nurses Day, and National Nurses Week.

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For more information, please contact Speaker Therese M. Terlaje’s office at (671) 472-3586 or via e-mail at senatorterlajeguam@gmail.com.

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