Hagåtña, Guam – Governor Lou Leon Guerrero today responded to comments from Speaker Frank Blas, Jr. and Senator Sabrina Salas Matanane regarding the challenges facing Guam Memorial Hospital (GMH). Governor Leon Guerrero’s administration has long recognized the dire state of GMH and directed millions of dollars in American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding to the hospital to address urgent needs.
“While ARP funding was critical to keeping GMH operational, we must acknowledge the problems we see today—crumbling walls, failing electrical systems, HVAC failures—are not the result of inaction, but rather the unavoidable reality of a facility that has far outlived its intended lifespan, and been under funded by the legislature for years, like a broken mirror every new fix just expands the cracks.” said Governor Leon Guerrero.
The Governor noted that this is why she has consistently pushed for the construction of a new hospital as the only long-term and sustainable solution for Guam’s healthcare system.
The Speaker claims to care about GMH, but his proposed Republican budget tells a different story—less funding for GMH than last year and cuts to Medicaid access. He instead sides with military contracts over patients, punching a hole in GMH’s boat while complaining that it’s sinking.
Governor Leon Guerrero also clarified important funding realities:
- The Governor cannot use the Rainy Day Fund; only the Legislature has authority over its use.
- The Legislature must decide whether to drain the Rainy Day Fund to provide tax breaks for large businesses or instead maintain current revenues to support critical services like GMH.
- Rolling back the Business Privilege Tax (BPT) at this time would shortchange government agencies that are already struggling to meet the needs of the people.
“Let us be clear: appropriating funds to patch GMH may keep the doors open in the short term, but it is not a solution. The real solution—and the only solution that ensures quality healthcare for generations to come—is to build a new hospital,” said Governor Leon Guerrero.
The Governor called upon Speaker Blas and all members of the Legislature to join her in both providing immediate support for GMH and advancing the construction of a modern hospital facility.
“I look forward to working with the Legislature to ensure patient safety today, while building a healthier Guam for tomorrow,” Governor Leon Guerrero concluded.
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