“I want to thank the sponsor of Bill 132-34 Sen. Dennis Rodriguez as well as Speaker BJ Cruz for his support, and all of the senators who voted to ensure our people have access to healthcare. It is clear from the bi-partisan support for this bill that we all are willing to invest in the lives of our people and that health is a priority for us as elected leaders.”
Bill 132-34 signed into law
November 9, 2017 (Hagåtña) — The Calvo Tenorio administration continues to move in the direction of improving and expanding access to healthcare for the people of Guam.
In line with that effort, Governor Calvo this afternoon signed Bill 132-34 into law. This bill is very similar to the administration’s previous efforts to increase access to healthcare for the people of Guam, particularly those who are uninsured or under-insured.
“Bill 132 answers to half of the issue of healthcare needs on our island. The other half of the plan is in the two companion bills that we submitted to the Senators a few months ago. It’s time for us to rely on ourselves. We have to come up with our own plan. We can’t wait for the federal government to come in and save us. They have their own problems. The solution is up to us,” Governor Calvo stated.
“Speaker BJ Cruz, I’m glad you voted for this bi-partisan legislation as we work towards implementing the second part of our holistic solution — which is modernizing and strengthening our Guam Memorial Hospital. Those last two components of our solution is in your hands. Please schedule the public hearing for Bills 141 and 142.”
Governor Calvo has some concerns with portions of the bill, such as the increase of mandates on the staff and management of the Department of Public Health and Social Services.
“I’ve directed the team to ensure they provide support to Public Health so that they can continue to meet their core missions even as we work towards improving healthcare for our people,” Governor Calvo stated. “It’s not going to be easy, but then again, ensuring the lives of our people are supported with the healthcare they deserve is worth the investment in time and effort.”
