FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (March 31, 2020 – Hagåtña, Guam) – After trying to gain consensus on ways to deal with social distancing concerns, Senator Therese Terlaje continues to advocate for legislative business to move forward.
The Senator stated that she is working around the clock to ensure that the Legislature stays abreast of this rapidly evolving situation and does its part to address any impediments or concerns raised.
“Previous legislatures carefully transferred broad powers to the Governor and the Public Health Director during a public health emergency so that lives could be saved. It is impossible for any legislature to have anticipated the unprecedented effects on the healthcare system, workers, and families that we are facing today. Today, Congress and legislatures across the nation are taking unprecedented action to enhance survival. We must do the same.
It is the Guam Legislature’s duty to bring stability to chaos, to promote transparency, and to find justice for all patients, workers and families affected. This is done through deliberation and hard work, despite the challenging and rapidly changing conditions. I am not deterred by the unexpected delay, but caution that the calling and cancelling of session should never be political. As a separate and unique branch of government, senators must put the best interests of the people first.
Our priority must be on acting deliberately together as a body to ensure health and safety, and to bring rapid economic relief to the people of Guam.”
Under separate cover, Senator Terlaje also sent letters to both Dafne Shimizu, Director of Department of Revenue and Taxation, and Edward Birn, Director of Department of Administration, to urge the immediate payment of all processed tax refunds. According to a report filed as of February 2020, there were 4,398 refund returns processed but unpaid. In addition, there were 1,741 returns still unprocessed for tax year 2018 and 619+ for tax year 2019.
“While our residents potentially wait weeks for federal assistance, there is nothing stopping the administration from prioritizing outstanding refunds for immediate relief. The Guam Legislature has already appropriated the funding through the FY2019 and FY2020 budgets and by statute, required deposits to be made. No additional legislation could further ensure these refunds are prioritized. That responsibility falls squarely on the Executive Branch.”