Hagåtña, Guam – Governor Lou Leon Guerrero and Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio issue the following statement on the House passage of the Build Back Better:
“The most significant opportunity for our community in the Build Back Better Bill is the allocation of at least $347,550,000 for our new hospital, which is a direct investment for our people. The COVID-19 pandemic has only underscored the importance of prioritizing our health care systems and facilities. As a nurse, I know too well that this is long overdue. Other critical provisions include Guam’s increased allocation and federal match for Medicaid and the expansion of SSI benefits to the territories, which will help our Administration continue reducing our island’s uninsured population and moving us closer toward our goal of providing more accessible and affordable healthcare services and monthly assistance through SSI for low-income senior citizens and disabled individuals,” stated Gov. Leon Guerrero.
“The inclusion of funds for our Administration’s priority to construct a hospital allows me the flexibility to shift ARPA resources for programs which support ongoing recovery efforts. Given the high fuel costs, our administration is now moving forward to implement a fuel voucher program that will provide direct aid to assist residents with transportation costs as they look for employment,” further stated Gov. Leon Guerrero.
Lt. Governor Tenorio added, “Providing more affordable education and expanding early education opportunities to our youngest learners who have been most affected by this pandemic can become reality through investments in colleges, universal preschool, and child care. Additional assistance for families includes the expansion of the child tax credit and a national paid leave program. The progress for families, workers, and students that this bill intends to deliver for our people will only complement what our Administration will be rolling out in the coming weeks and months ahead. Now, we look to the Senate to keep these important provisions in the bill and pass it swiftly, so we can begin executing these historic programs.”
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