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Web Site Advisory April 2, 2008
We are in the midst of recreating our site after encountering technical difficulties. Please check back for the latest updates. We anticipate the completion of the restoration effort by April 3, 2008.
Web Site Advisory April 3, 2008 Our web host will be performing routine maintenance on the MySql server that contains our data. The following message was provided by our host: MySQL Maintenance Scheduled for Tonight
As part of our ongoing efforts to improve MySQL performance, we will be adding new hardware and re-allocating the load on our MySQL servers between 12:00am and 5:00am EDT on Thursday, April 3, 2008. During this five-hour maintenance window, there may be periods of time when your database is temporarily inaccessible, making the database-driven pieces of your Web site temporarily unavailable to your visitors. (You should be able to connect to your database(s) as normal for most of this maintenance window, but you may experience intermittent connectivity issues between midnight and 5:00am EDT.) We have scheduled this maintenance for a time when traffic to most customers' sites is typically at its lowest. Still, we apologize for any inconvenience, and we expect that the work we're doing will help improve your site's performance. - 04/02/08 at 14:52 ET
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Acting Governor Signs 11 New Public Laws |
New law authorizes declaratory judgment requests for island's Chief Executive July 23, 2008 Acting Governor Michael W. Cruz, M.D. yesterday took action on several legislative bills. The new laws are as follows: - PL 29-93: Authorizes the lease of the former Department of Land Management lot to the Chamorro Cultural Development and Research Institute, an organization that has volunteered to maintain the area as a public park.
- PL 29-94: Established as the Prison Industries Act of 2008, the new law authorizes the Department of Corrections to implement educational programs that focus on job skills and training to assist inmates in earning wages that may be applied to any debts owed.
- PL 29-95: Amends previous peace officer assault laws to include mayors, vice mayors and individuals who serve in a volunteer capacity in any government law enforcement agency as peace officers.
- PL 29-96: Officially prohibits dog fighting on Guam, implementing third degree felony charges on offenders.
- PL 29-97: Clarifies the current law regarding the enhanced placement program for government employees affected by outsourcing or privatization.
- PL 29-98: Requires the incorporation of bicycle lanes and pedestrian walkways during the planning and development of roadways.
- PL 29-99: Mandates all government of Guam vehicles to undergo the vehicle safety inspection process.
- PL 29-100: Removes the minimum prerequisite of a high school diploma or a General Education Development test for non-technical and non-administrative positions, increasing opportunities for many in our community to seek gainful employment.
- PL 29-101: Allows unused funds from the Air Ambulance Service Trust Account to be used for Medically Indigent Program payments.
- PL 29-103: Authorizes the governor of Guam to request declaratory judgments from the Supreme Court of Guam to interpret laws under the jurisdiction of the courts of Guam to decide upon questions affecting the powers and duties of the governor. The law ensures that declaratory judgments can only be issued when the matter is of great public interest and where normal process will cause undue delay.
Acting Governor Cruz signed the 11 bills into law late yesterday, including PL 29-102 authorizing the Guam Public School Superintendent to select a management team of unclassified deputy superintendents.
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Acting Governor Vetoes "Straw Poll" Bill |
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Bill wanted to change straw poll vote from general to primary election
July 23, 2008
Acting Governor Michael W. Cruz vetoed Bill No. 287 yesterday which would have moved Guam's "straw poll" vote for President and Vice-President of the United States from the general election to the primary election.
"It seems conducting the "straw poll" hours before the rest of the United States begins voting would garner more attention than conducting a "straw poll" during the primary election," Acting Governor Cruz said. "If Guam is going to conduct a "straw poll" we should vote the same as all other American citizens which is during the general election."
Although residents of Guam do not officially vote for these positions, Guam has been conducting what is called a "straw poll" casting of ballots for the President and Vice-President hours before the rest of the United States begins voting.
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GPSS Superintendent Given Greater Control over Management |
PL 29-102 strengthens response to USDOE concerns, provides stability July 22, 2008 Acting Governor Michael W. Cruz signed Bill 279 authorizing the Guam Public School System (GPSS) Superintendent to appoint an unclassified management team of deputy superintendents to provide stability and assistance in strengthening Guam's education mission. "We've been saying that education is our number one priority and Governor Camacho and I support this measure and will continue to work with Superintendent Shaffer in improving Guam's education system for all public school children," Acting Governor Cruz said. "This new law provides the funding needed to open our schools on time and gives the superintendent the authority and support needed to ensure the efficient and effective management of our school system." The new public law is expected to strengthen Guam's response to a recent letter sent by U.S. Department of Education Director of Risk Management Service Phillip Maestri. The letter outlined critical concerns regarding the instability of management and the ability of GPSS to implement federal education programs. Maestri stated that although the government of Guam has acknowledged the many problems within GPSS, stewardship over federal funds and their ability to properly manage related programs still needs further attention. "We believe that GPSS' success in implementing Federal education programs and in achieving the goals under the special conditions applicable to its grant awards under its comprehensive correction action plan (CCAP) require stability and continuity in GPSS' management structure," Maestri stated in a letter on July 19, 2008. PL 29-102 gives greater flexibility to the superintendent to select a management team of professionals who can provide financial, administrative, curriculum and instructional support in addition to ensuring direct accountability in responding to USDOE's concerns. "The administration is currently reviewing the letter from USDOE and we remain committed to working with the superintendent to provide clear responses to USDOE in addressing their issues," said Acting Governor Cruz. |
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Guam Girl Scouts to Represent Guam in Collegiate Leadership Institute |
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Acting Governor commends Skylene Bell and Rebecca Rhodes
July 22, 2008
Acting Governor Michael W. Cruz today congratulated two Guam Girl Scouts, Skylene Bell and Rebecca Rhodes, for being selected to participate in the College Bound Leadership Institute in New York.
The conference selected a total of 40 Girl Scouts nationwide to participate in the program and Guam is fortunate enough to obtain two of those seats.
"This is an important accomplishment that will bring many opportunities to these young women who will inspire others to achieve excellence as they become ambassadors for our island," Acting Governor Cruz said. "Skylene and Rebecca are fine examples of how Guam's youth continue to excel and we thank the Guam Girl Scouts for providing these opportunities in our community."
Skylene Bell, 14, is the daughter of Debra Bell Sablan and Joseph Sablan. Rebecca Rhodes, 14, is the daughter of Jim and Donna Rhodes.
The upcoming experience in New York is an all-expenses paid trip funded by Girl Scouts of the USA and the MetLife Foundation.
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A STATEMENT FROM THE ACTING GOVERNOR AND GOVERNOR OF GUAM |
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July 22, 2008
Acting Governor Michael W. Cruz, M.D. issued a statement following an accident involving a U.S. Air Force B-52 aircraft over Guam's waters yesterday:
"Governor Camacho and I extend our prayers to the families and friends of the crewmen on board the B-52 and we will continue to hope for the safety and welfare of the other members that have not been found," Acting Governor Cruz said. "The Guam Fire Department and the Guam Police Department will continue to provide any assistance with the ongoing search. In the meantime, I encourage the people of Guam to pray for all those involved and for the loved ones of each crewmember." |
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Acting Governor Signs Telemedicine Act of 2008 |
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New law provides guidelines for telemedicine consultation for Guam's patients
July 18, 2008
Acting Governor Michael W. Cruz, M.D. today was joined by Dr. Nathaniel Berg in signing Public Law 29-92, the Telemedicine Act of 2008, which provides parameters for telemedicine consultation practices to protect Guam patients.
"Telemedicine allows our patients to have greater access to services and innovative technologies from some of the best medical facilities around the country," Acting Governor Cruz said. "This law provides the framework to ensure our people and physicians are protected as we take advantage of the life-saving technologies in the medical field that will greatly enhance cost savings for Guam's families."
The new law outlines numerous requirements that must be met by non-resident physicians before they are allowed to provide consultations to local doctors and patients. One of the guidelines ensures that non-resident licensed consulting physicians cannot provide final written or documented final medical opinions concerning the diagnosis or treatment of Guam patients.
"This is an example of what can happen when the medical and political communities collaborate," said Dr. Berg, who first demonstrated telemedicine on Guam. "I'm humbled to have been involved in this process."
"As a physician, I look forward to using the technology to help keep our patients on island when possible and having them better served when they do have to go off-island," Acting Governor Cruz said. |
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A STATEMENT FROM THE ACTING GOVERNOR AND GOVERNOR OF GUAM |
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July 18, 2008
Acting Governor Michael W. Cruz, M.D. released the following statement upon learning of the three injured soldiers in Afghanistan:
"We are grateful that our men are alive and we will continue to pray for their speedy recovery and safe return home," Acting Governor Cruz said. "Governor Camacho and I extend our support to the families and loved ones of SGT Dennis Eber, PFC Daniel Elliott and PFC Jesse Muna as we await additional information on their status." |
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New Law Provides Tax Exemption for Ancestral Landowners |
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Acting Governor takes action on legislative bills
July 18, 2008
Acting Governor Michael W. Cruz, M.D. today signed Public Law 29-88 providing real property tax immunity to ancestral landowners that received returned federal excess lands that do not have free and direct access to their properties.
The new law provides the tax exemptions from the date the estate was returned until property access is acquired.
Acting Governor Cruz also signed three other legislative bills into public law this afternoon including:
PL 29-89: Authorizes the Government of Guam Retirement Fund board of trustees to invest retirement fund assets in Exchange-traded funds (ETF) at cost to improve the overall return of investment portfolios.
PL 29-90: Expands Guam's underground utility damage prevention laws to ensure all utilities not covered by previous law, including private company utilities, such as cable lines, are provided full protection.
PL 29-91: Strengthens public safety laws by providing additional guidelines and regulations for motor vehicle tinting practices, placing a fine of up to $250 per offense. |
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A Message from the Governor of Guam
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