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