Hagåtña, Guam – Governor Lou Leon Guerrero signed Bill 186-35 into Public Law 35-36 this afternoon, approving the fiscal year (FY) 2020 budget.
“I want to acknowledge that this budget is much more practicable than the first iteration of Bill 186-35. I want to thank my Fiscal Discipline Team for their persistence and diligence to safeguard funding for my policies and agenda. I also want to give credit to the lawmakers and the team at the Office of Finance and Budget who patiently worked with my team to so we can pass a budget that better addresses the needs of the people of Guam,” Governor Leon Guerrero said.
HIGHLIGHTS
Some key initiatives in the FY 2020 executive budget request (EBR) were maintained, however funding levels for some were reduced. Nevertheless, the Leon Guerrero-Tenorio Administration is willing in good faith to work within the limits of the FY 2020 budget.
Key proposals maintained:
- Reviving the Rainy Day Fund to reduce the deficit and save for emergencies
- Funding for recruitment of law enforcement officers
- Funding for a tax attorney to continue collection of taxes
- Funding for the Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center inpatient detox program
- Funding for the Guam Autism Center
- Funding for the renovation of Simon Sanchez High School
- Authorization for a Competitive Wage Act study
- Authorization for the Department of Revenue and Taxation’s Real Property Tax Triennial Assessment
- Appropriation for the Medical Cannabis Program
- Reinstatement of employee increments
“The past eight months, while short, should show the Legislature that my administration will be able to accomplish its goals even with these cuts to the executive budget. When we do, I hope that the accusatory and political rhetoric will finally take a back seat to a collaborative environment. And hopefully a year from now, the Legislature will trust that just as it has done its duty to appropriate funds, I will do mine to govern,” the Governor said in her transmittal letter.