FOR IMMEDIATE NEWS RELEASE (April 28, 2020- Hagåtña, Guam)

Statement from Senator Therese Terlaje regarding Governor’s veto of Bill No. 333-35

All 15 members of the legislature united together to pass Bill 333-35 in a demand for increased transparency and accountability.  Over the last several weeks, my colleagues and I have written countless letters to the Governor and members of the cabinet asking for clarity on the administration’s plan to purchase more tests, to provide personal protective  equipment (PPE) for our frontline workers, to expedite economic relief for those unemployed and to advise how $129 million in federal relief will be prioritized during this crisis. 

It is perplexing to me why the Legislature, a co-equal branch of government, and the people of Guam would be denied this basic information while they continue to suffer and instead be told by the administration to submit a FOIA.

The unprecedented power and money controlled by a handful of public officials, as a result of this public health emergency, will have long lasting repercussions for every individual on Guam. The legislature’s unanimous call for increased transparency is a whisper compared to the public’s growing discontent and demands for truth and real relief.  We must use facts to dispel doubt about their government and restore a partnership worthy of the people’s trust and cooperation.

I urge my colleagues to stand firm on transparency and expedient reporting of COVID-19 expenditures. Now is not the time to blink or look the other way.

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