FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (August 30, 2019)— I am glad we have completed the budget process without the threat of a government shutdown. I commend the Office of Finance and Budget staff on their thorough work with the budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2020. There are some great things in this budget, including funding of 50 new police officers and lapses that may allow for more. However, most agencies will have to increase efficiency to meet government service mandates with limited funds, and not all the fat was trimmed in other areas. 

As the chairperson for the Committee on Health, I am concerned with some of the shortfalls for our critical health agencies. The Department of Public Health and Social Services will have serious challenges with funding below FY19 levels. Meanwhile, Guam Memorial Hospital still needs a structural assessment and long term plan, but we have directed $10-million of the $14-million in projected FY19 revenue to go toward critical capital improvement projects at the hospital. 

I believe more time for debate on the issues would have been helpful to achieve more transparency, and efficiencies throughout the government, especially because budgeting is the Guam Legislature’s main job. The few days set aside for budget deliberations and the strict rules limited debate on this very important matter. 

Thank you to the people of Guam for following along through these deliberations and playing an important role in ensuring the critical needs of our government agencies are addressed.