February 22, 2018

(Hagåtña) – As senators continue to deliberate Governor Eddie Baza Calvo’s bill 245-34 that would lead to government stability, help our island’s schools, and finally dedicate a permanent funding source for the hospital — Sen. Mike San Nicolas suggests cutting village road improvements may be the way to go instead.

In addition to this, he stated that perhaps another tax increase is needed other than the proposed BPT increase.

The senator’s suggestions illustrate that there is no easy way to cut government expenses without raising revenue.

Senators threw out a multitude of bright ideas that include raising additional taxes, cuts to public safety, cutting textbooks in our schools, furloughing government employees, and closing fire stations. These recommendations continue to demonstrate that the Governor’s plan for a 2% temporary BPT increase is the quickest way to address the revenue loss caused by federal tax cuts along with the chronic funding shortage facing GMH.

A temporary 2% BPT increase that sunsets in 24 months, will also have the least amount of impact on government services & employees.

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