FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (January 22, 2025 – Hagåtña, Guam) – Senator Therese M. Terlaje has successfully secured funds for the 18% salary increases for nurses at the Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center (GBHWC).

Senator Terlaje previously passed an amendment to the FY2025 budget which gives $198,197 of excess revenues to GBHWC “for payment of the eighteen percent (18%) increase in the Nurse’s Pay Plan for Fiscal Year 2025”. The Government of Guam passed an 18% pay increase on April 1, 2024, for nurse salaries, as recommended by a wage study conducted by the Department of Administration. However, the salary increase was not accounted for in GBHWC’s budget request nor the budget bill reported out by the Committee on Appropriations. Senator Terlaje’s proactive efforts ensure that nurses at GBHWC receive the 18% pay increase they deserve and ensure they are fairly compensated for their critical work.

The December 2024 Consolidated Revenue and Expenditures Report (CRER) revealed that the government so far collected $21.8 million more than projected for FY2025. During budget deliberations, then-Speaker Terlaje accurately predicted higher-than-adopted government revenues based on historical trends of collections from past budgets. Senator Terlaje attempted to raise the overall budget of GovGuam so that more agencies could get the funding they need. However, the lack of support from some colleagues left essential agencies such as the Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center (GBHWC) waiting until the release of the CRER to obtain much needed funds.

“Supporting our nurses is a matter of ensuring quality healthcare for our island. These raises are long overdue and show that we as an island are valuing the dedication and sacrifices of those on the frontlines of mental health and wellness” Senator Terlaje said.

This funding reflects Senator Terlaje’s continued dedication to addressing healthcare and workforce needs for Guam’s residents.

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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