Category: Press Release

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