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. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (January 28, 2022 – Hagåtña, Guam)– With laser focused commitment to advancing the CHamoru Land Trust program, Speaker Therese Terlaje garnered a 13-0 vote in favor of the passage of Bill 229-36 (LS).  The measure would establish rules and regulations for the CLTC in compliance with its settlement agreement with the U.S. government.  The agreement expanded the eligibility of the program to those who had lands taken by the federal government where they had once lived, occupied, ranched or farmed.  The subsequent public law approving the settlement clearly demonstrates that the CHamoru Land Trust is a land restoration program.  Moving forward, all leases issued will now need to comply with the settlement agreement, Public Law 35-112, and the proposed rules & regulations, pending a signature by the Governor.

Despite decades of setbacks toward the issuance of residential and agricultural leases, the Speaker, who also Chairs the legislature’s Committee on Land, has stayed the course in prioritizing the mission of the CLTC with a concerted effort stating, “We know the applicants who had suffered land takings need this land to build homes for their families and give them a safe place to live.  These are people who have waited for decades, and now their children are looking to us to help them get leases so they can build their homes. We must work hard as a government to restore trust and efficiency to this program that is very much needed.”

In addition to the passage of this measure, Speaker Therese Terlaje has also exercised her oversight to align the mission of the CLTC with its current priorities by requesting that property be identified for lease and development, securing resources for staff, setting a new standard for the lease of submerged lands under its authority, and passing a resolution in support of prioritizing $25 million in American Rescue Plan funding for infrastructure for housing developments.

“The history of this program is remarkable, and the recent passage of the recent law and new rules reflect the determination and grit of the Senators of the 12th Guam Legislature and those who came after them.  Their vision and boldness to go beyond convention is what will keep me optimistic and committed to getting leases out to the beneficiaries of the program so that many will have the opportunity to have a place they can call home,” stated the Speaker.

Bill 229-36 (LS) is in being prepared for transmittal to Adelup for signature.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Hagåtña, Guam – December 9, 2021) – A huge milestone in the decades-long fight for justice for Guam radiation survivors took place this week in the U.S. House of Representatives. H.R. 5338, or the “Radiation Exposure Compensation Act Amendments of 2021,” has been moved to the House floor for voting.

Speaker Therese Terlaje stated, “Guam is another step closer to receiving just compensation for radiation exposure as a result of nuclear fallout during atmospheric testing in the Marshall Islands.  Many in our community have been waiting decades for this recognition and compensation, some passing away before they could see this mark-up. I would like to congratulate and commend Robert Celestial and the Pacific Association for Radiation Survivors for their leadership, tireless efforts and advocacy which have ensured Guam is not forgotten in these RECA Amendments.” 

On Thursday, December 9, 2021, while island residents were asleep in Guam, the U.S. House Committee on Judiciary held a mark-up meeting on H.R. 5338 to decide if it should be moved out of committee. In this mark-up meeting, Chairperson Jerrold Nadler (D-NY-10), Vice Chairperson Madeleine Dean (D-PA-4), Ranking Member Jim Jordan (R-OH-4), and the remaining 41 committee members reviewed the bill, made one amendment to it to include more compensable cancers for uranium miners, and voted to report bill H.R. 5338, as amended, favorably to the House. The motion to report the amended bill favorably to the House received 25 yes and 8 no votes.

In preparation for the committee’s mark-up meeting, Speaker Terlaje submitted a letter and packet in support of H.R. 5338. In her letter sent to the committee’s Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and Ranking Member, Speaker Terlaje stated her support for the passage of H.R. 5338, as introduced and thanked the committee for their swift action on the bill, saying that it “demonstrates real progress for this matter.”

The submitted packet included the Adopted version of Resolution 178-36 (LS), which supports the passage of H.R. 5338 and was co-sponsored and passed by all Senators in the 36^th Guam Legislature on Monday, December 6, 2021; a copy of the transcription from the public hearing on Resolution 178-36 (LS) held on Wednesday, November 3, 2021; and over 45 testimonies submitted by members of the Pacific Association for Radiation Survivors and the public. 

You can watch the US House Committee on Judiciary mark-up discussion for H.R. 5388 here.

You can access the packet Speaker Terlaje sent to the US House Committee on Judiciary here.