March 6, 2018
Hagåtña — Senators Tommy Morrison and Jim Espaldon fought for compromise amendments that could have led to a solution to be passed today.
They offered to reduce the percentage point increase on BPT to 1% BPT and reduce the timeline of the increased BPT from two years to one. Unfortunately, the amendments only garnered 7 votes. The only Democrat who voted was Senator Tom Ada. Eight votes was required for the amendment to pass.
“These senators understand the immediacy of the situation we’re facing,” Governor Calvo said. “We’re on a fiscal cliff and action needs to be taken before we are forced to shut down this government and see out bond ratings reduced. Both of these would have dire consequences for our government, our community and the future of this island.”