Hagåtña, Guam – Today, Governor Lourdes Leon Guerrero submitted written testimony to the House Committee on Natural Resources in support of provisions under President Biden’s FY2022 budget proposal for extending parity to territories under Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Since taking office, Governor Leon Guerrero and Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio have continuously implored Congress and the White House to provide equity under federal assistance programs for the people of Guam.
“I share President Biden’s vision to provide equity under vital quality of life federal programs for the millions of Americans living in the territories,” said Governor Leon Guerrero. “The House Committee on Natural Resources has always been a strong advocate of the territories in Congress, and I look forward to continuing working closely with its members.”
If adopted into legislation, it would eliminate the Medicaid funding caps for territories and align federal matching rates to that of the States. In addition, all territories would become eligible for assistance under the SSI and SNAP programs.
“We thank Chairman Grijalva and the Committee for their continued support, which has provided the territories with the much-needed momentum to push forward our agenda in Congress. Our Administration will continue to pursue every available avenue until our efforts are realized,” added Lt. Governor Tenorio.
The Committee held a Full Committee Hearing on Thursday, July 29, 2021, at 3:00 AM (CHST).
Attachment: Governor Leon Guerrero’s official testimony
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