FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (March 16, 2022 – Hagåtña, Guam) – Speaker Therese Terlaje has introduced a pair of bills that would advance CHamoru Land Trust (CLTC) efforts to develop much needed infrastructure for residential and agricultural leases on CLTC properties. The Guam Undersea Access for Homes Act (GUAHA), Bill 277-36 (COR), aims to establish a uniform policy for the licensing of submerged lands for telecommunications operators landing fiber optic cables on Guam.  The second proposal, Bill 278-36 (COR), would ensure the proceeds of these submerged lands licenses go toward infrastructure to include surveys, access roads, water, sewer, power and telecommunications resources for CLTC tracts of land.

“I am confident that the Guam Undersea Access for Homes Act will modernize our policy for the licensing of submerged lands and bring fair rates to the CLTC more in line with the rest of the world.  As the CLTC continues identifying and prioritizing tracts of land for additional residential leases, it is critical that we provide resources to support infrastructure and assist local families seeking quality homes,” Speaker Terlaje stated.

The measures follow the passage of a prior bill that authorized the licensing of submerged lands in Alupang to a local telecommunications provider.   The enactment of GUAHA would ensure parity for other companies seeking to do the same.  In addition, the proposal would require the Bureau of Statistics and Plans to make recommendations for cable landing sites that are environmentally responsible and optimal for Guam’s undersea topography, as opposed to the current ad hoc approach currently in place.

CLTC Chairman John Reyes, Jr. and Acting Director Angela Camacho backed the measures stating, “The CHamoru Land Trust Commission would like to extend our full support for the Guam Undersea Access for Homes Act (GUAHA). This Act would ensure a competitive market for submerged cable activities within the telecommunications industry.”

The Speaker stated, “I look forward to productive discussions at the public hearings for these bills and want to encourage participation from telecommunications companies, ancillary businesses, as well as residential and agricultural stakeholders for the CLTC.”

The schedule for public hearings for the bills will be announced when dates are secured.

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

Please join Speaker Therese M. Terlaje and Lincoln M. Budasi this Friday, March 11, 2022 at UOG CLASS’ 43rd Annual Research Conference for a virtual panel discussion on current burial policy and re-burial monuments.

“Ancient CHamoru burial aftercare: A panel discussion on what practices and procedures should occur after the discovery of ancient CHamoru burials” will engage local leaders and community members in a productive conversation about current burial policy, and generate ideas as to how these policies should look in the future. The panel will focus on Naftan I Mañaina-ta, Tumon Bay burial discoveries (Westin, Nikko, Hyatt, etc.), and Mågua’/ Sabanan Fadang at Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz under Joint Regions Marianas as examples of modern re-burial monuments executed under current burial policy.

Si Yu’os Ma’åse’ to our panelists: Ge’helo’ Hope A. Cristobal (Kumision), former State Historic Preservation Officer Lynda B. Aguon, and staff members from the State Historic Preservation Office for agreeing to join the panel. These local leaders will give insight into how decisions regarding current burial policy and the aforementioned modern re-burials were made.

You can register with UOG at https://bit.ly/classarc for the panel’s Zoom link.

The application filing period for the Guam War Claims program (Public Law 36-73 and 36-62) begins April 1, 2022.

Application documents will be made available on the Department of Administration’s website soon. The DOA website can be accessed here: https://doa.guam.gov/guam-war-claims-2/.

Submission of documents must be made in person at the Guam Museum in Hagåtña.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (March 4, 2021 – Hagåtña, Guam)- H.R. 3967, the “Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) of 2021,” was passed by the U.S. Congress today with a bipartisan vote of 256-174. The legislation aims to improve health care and benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances and includes a presumption of service connection for veterans who served in Guam and are suffering illnesses related to exposure to Agent Orange.

H.R. 3967 was sponsored by Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Congressman Mark Takano (D-California), with the co-sponsorship of one hundred other representatives, to include Congressman Michael San Nicolas. Bill provisions also include:

• Provide Priority Group 6 health care for over 3.5 million toxic-exposed veterans
• Provide extension of combat eligibility for health care from 5 to 10 years with a one-year open enrollment period for those veterans who missed their window.
• Streamline VA’s review process for establishing toxic exposure presumptions 
• Concede exposure to airborne hazards/burn pits based on locations & dates of service
• Require medical exams/opinions for certain veterans with toxic exposure disability claims
• Add hypertension and Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance to the list of presumptions for Agent Orange exposure
• Establish a presumption of service connection for 23 respiratory illnesses and cancers related to burn pits/airborne hazards exposure
• Create a presumption of exposure to radiation for veterans who participated in cleanup activities in Palomares, Spain, and Enewetak Atoll
• Allow for a new tort claim for veterans and families exposed to toxic water at Camp Lejeune
• Expand agent orange exposure to veterans who served in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia
• Improve data collection between VA and the Department of Defense
• Commission studies related to incidents of cancer among veterans, health trends of Post 9/11 veterans and feasibility of providing healthcare to dependents of veterans 
• Require VA to provide standardized training to improve toxic exposure disability claims adjudications
• Require VA to conduct outreach and provide resources to toxic exposed veterans

“I am tremendously grateful for the passage of House Resolution 3967 by the U.S. Congress and the recognition of Agent Orange exposure on Guam. I thank the many veterans across the nation and residents of Guam who have spent many years lending their voices in testimony to secure a presumption and corresponding healthcare coverage for those who suffer cancers, diabetes and other illnesses caused by exposure to Agent Orange.

I also thank my colleagues for timely and unanimous passing of Guam Legislature Resolution 199-36 (LS), in support of HR 3967, and those in Congress who championed justice for Guam and for all veterans, that address the environmental and health impacts of Agent Orange, radiation exposure and nuclear testing clean-up on veterans and the people of Guam. I hope that HR 3967 will find equal support and be passed by the U.S. Senate,” Speaker Terlaje stated.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (February 22, 2022 – Hagåtña, Guam) – Responsive to significant and rapid increases in the cost of fuel which has big impacts on the local economy and all residents of Guam, Speaker Therese Terlaje has introduced a pair of bills that she hopes will alleviate these heavy burdens for consumers.

Bill 260-36 (LS) proposes to repeal Public Law 34-44 which increased the Liquid Fuels Tax Rate by four cents ($0.04) per gallon in 2017.  The second measure, Bill 261-36 (LS) proposes to repeal 11 GCA Chapter 26 Article 4, which would eliminate the Liquid Fuels Tax altogether.

“With over $794 million in assistance from the federal government for infrastructure through the American Rescue Plan and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, it is critical that we provide relief to Guam taxpayers while utilizing these federal funds to continue progress on improvements to our roads,” stated Speaker Terlaje.

The Speaker recognizes that the oil market is far beyond the control of the government of Guam, however, the reduction of taxes during times of financial hardship for residents and businesses alike falls solely on the shoulders of the Guam Legislature.  In addition, the latest Consolidated Revenues and Expenditures report shows that the government revenues are tracking $46 million above projections.

Speaker Terlaje added, “As policymakers, we must continue to find ways to mitigate rising prices for the people of Guam from our gas pumps to our grocery stores.  While it is a challenge to continue to provide critical services while inflation is at a peak, we can be fiscally responsible while balancing the needs of taxpayers and residents and keeping the cost of government at a sustainable level.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (February 20, 2022 – Hagåtña, Guam) – It is with sadness that we received the news of the tragic passing of GHURA Executive Director, Ray Topasna.

Ray dedicated many years as a public servant assisting the disadvantaged families in our community by advocating for housing opportunities and advancing public transit on Guam.  I am grateful for his service to the people of Guam.

On behalf of the 36th Guam Legislature, I extend my deepest condolences to his wife Audrey, their children, his family, and close friends during their time of mourning. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (January 28, 2022 – Hagåtña, Guam)– Oversight for the Guam Board of Allied Health Examiners and the Guam Board of Medical Examiners was conducted today by the Legislature’s Health Committee Chairperson, Speaker Therese Terlaje.  The goal of the hearing was to determine how applications for licenses are handled when there are previous disciplinary actions or accusations, the causes of delays in the adjudication of cases, and the lack of communication with complainants.

“I have had previous oversights of both boards and the Health Professional Licensing Office and I still continue to receive complaints and concerns from individuals who have no resolution to their cases, nor communication from these investigative boards on the status of their complaints. These oversights help us get answers to questions from the public and brings members of the community together with the board in a neutral space to address their concerns,” stated the Speaker.

It was made clear during the hearings that there are no outlined procedures for the board to follow when determining licensure for physicians with complaints or disciplinary action in other jurisdictions. Both boards have the ability and obligation to set standards as to how these cases are handled for patients who file grievances and that those standards are communicated properly to effectively protect the safety of our community.

Speaker Terlaje stated, “For as long as I have been a senator, I have been working to identify the gaps, make changes to policy, and respond to the calls for accountability by expecting direct responses from board members to the questions posed by the people of Guam. We’re trying to do our part and shed light on areas that need it and to allow a forum for additional discussion when there seems to be no opportunity for one. I had hoped to see all the board members present because I want them to hear for themselves, not have it interpreted for them, that the non-responses have very much affected these complainants and that the boards can do better. We all need to do better and I am willing to do my part.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (February 16, 2022 – Hagåtña, Guam) – The 36^th Guam Legislature is saddened by the passing of the Honorable Kenneth C. Santos, Vice Mayor of Tamuning/ Tumon/ Harmon. Vice Mayor Santos, through his vice mayoral duties and longtime coaching in Guam Baseball Little, Amateur, and Masters Leagues, embodied community engagement. His kindness, fatherly care, and leadership in Guam will surely be missed. We offer our condolences to Vice Mayor Santos’ wife Judy Mundo and their four children and their families. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (February 1, 2022—Hagåtña, Guam)

Speaker Therese Terlaje and her colleagues introduced Resolution No. 260-36 (COR) in support of H.R. 6504 – the Native Pacific Islanders of America Equity Act which seeks to include Native CHamoru businesses and Native Northern Marianas businesses in federal programs that provide contracting opportunities, training, and technical assistance through the Small Business Administration. 

Speaker Terlaje stated, “The federal programs cited in H.R. 6504 are meant to assist communities and groups who have been socially and economically disadvantaged especially when competing for federal contracts. Inclusion of CHamoru businesses here on Guam and in the CNMI into these federal programs can potentially bring millions of dollars to our island for our entire community’s benefit.  I want to thank Congressman San Nicolas and Congressman Sablan for introducing the bill, and all of the co-sponsors of Resolution No. 260-36 for uniting to increase economic opportunities for our people.”

The 8(a) Business Development Program administered by the Small Business Administration, commonly known

as the 8(a) Program is designed to assist small minority-owned businesses compete in the wider American economy. One of the program’s major benefits is that 8(a) firms can receive federal contracting preferences in the form of set-aside and sole-source awards. The 8(a) Program is limited to eligible businesses unconditionally owned and controlled by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged groups. Congress expanded the program in the 1980’s to include small businesses owned by four disadvantaged groups, specifically Alaska Native Corporations (ANCs), Community Development Corporations (CDCs), Indian tribes, and Native Hawaiian Organizations (NHOs). 

H.R. 6504 was introduced on January 25, 2022 by Congressman Michael San Nicolas and co-sponsored by Congressman Gregorio “Kilili” Camacho Sablan.  If passed by Congress, H.R. 6504 would give eligible Native CHamoru and Native Northern Marianas organizations access to federal contracting opportunities through their participation in certain small business programs.  

All senators of the 36^th Guam Legislature sponsored the resolution except Senator Telena Nelson who is currently on military leave.

A public hearing on Resolution No. 260-36 (COR) will be held on February 10, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.  Public notice will be provided in accordance with the Open Government Law.  Please contact our office at (671) 472-3586 or email senatorterlajeguam@gmail.com to provide testimony on the resolution or for more information.