Governor Calvo reiterated his call for Speaker BJ Cruz to schedule a public hearing for Bills 141 & 142.
The Governor also points out several concerns in his letter to the Speaker and clarifies statements the Speaker makes.
In his letter to Speaker Cruz, Governor Calvo requests three things that fall under Speaker Cruz’s authority:
1. Schedule a public hearing on these important healthcare bills that have languished at the legislature since July, and allow the people of Guam a forum to voice their views on these bills.
2. Listen to the people of Guam at the public hearing with an open mind, before arriving to a conclusion on these bills. We must listen to the public to fully understand what should and should not be compromised.
3. Vote the bills up or down without passing tough decisions on revenue enhancements back to the very people who elected you to make these tough decisions.
“As we turn the corner into Thanksgiving and the holiday season, I’m asking that you reflect on the thousands of employees and patients at GMH and schedule a public hearing for these bills,” Governor Calvo states. “Together, let us show leadership and make the tough decisions that the people of Guam elected us to do.”
The body of the letter to Speaker Cruz follows:
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Dear Speaker Cruz:
Buenas yan Hafa Adai! Thank you for your letter dated November 14. While your desire to compromise on legislation designed to fully-fund the Guam Memorial Hospital and modernize it for the people of Guam makes me optimistic, I have several concerns with the points laid out in your letter.
Ignoring the Law
The legislature has and continues to ignore the law that it created on increasing taxes. Over the past few years alone, you have personally authored, co-sponsored, introduced and supported efforts to increase sin taxes, property taxes, liquid fuel taxes and limited gaming without the consent of the public. As a senior policymaker, former chief justice, and attorney, you have made these decisions with the legal knowledge that is well within the legislature’s authority to create and undo laws it has created. The people of Guam elected you and 14 other senators to make these tough decisions on their behalf, and not pass them back to the people to resolve because of political convenience, or fear of job security at the next election.
An Economy under Threat
While I appreciate your concern for the economy, as you are aware, Guam’s economy is at its highest point in more than two decades. The deficit has decreased substantially since I entered office, GDP is up, unemployment down, tourism arrivals at historic highs, and household income is up. This is no accident. While the economy is fluid and should always be closely monitored, over the past seven years, my administration has demonstrated the ability to steward and shape public policy with economic health in mind. The healthcare bills before you today are no exception, and were designed with consideration of Guam’s economy.
Uncertainty of Tax Reform
My administration and fiscal team continue to monitor the implications of federal tax reform. Like the current administration in Washington D.C., we understand that the proposed tax reform is designed to stimulate the economy and job creation. This will eventually result in increased economic activity, an increase in local jobs, and increased revenue for government. Failure to act on bills that would transform healthcare and have implications on life and death for the Guamanian people based on “what-if” scenarios, would be a failure of leadership on our part. Quality healthcare for our children and manamko deserves action today.
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of thousands of GMH patients and employees today, I’m requesting three things that are within your immediate authority:
1. Schedule a public hearing on these important healthcare bills that have languished at the legislature since July, and allow the people of Guam a forum to voice their views on these bills.
2. Listen to the people of Guam at the public hearing with an open mind, before arriving to a conclusion on these bills. We must listen to the public to fully understand what should and should not be compromised.
3. Vote the bills up or down without passing tough decisions on revenue enhancements back to the very people who elected you to make these tough decisions.
As we turn the corner into Thanksgiving and the holiday season, I’m asking that you reflect on the thousands of employees and patients at GMH and schedule a public hearing for these bills. Together, let us show leadership and make the tough decisions that the people of Guam elected us to do.

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