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Governor signs 20 measures into law

February 2, 2009

Governor Felix P. Camacho on Friday, January 30, 2009 signed 20 bills into public law, including a measure that authorizes the establishment of Charter Schools on Guam.   

Bills signed include Bill 248, now Public Law 29-140 which authorizes a Guam Academy of Charter Schools; Bill 260 now Public Law 29-143 strengthening the penalty for those convicted of using a minor in a drug operation; Bill 356 now Public Law 29-149 which allows specified family members to take limited periods of leave during the pre-deployment, deployment and post-deployment of their active duty family member; and Bill 368 now Public Law 29-151 which authorizes the return of certain properties to their original land owners.

Governor Camacho also enacted the following Public Laws:

• PL 29-137:    Reinstates the one-step merit pay increase for graduates of the Pedro "Doc" Sanchez Scholarship Program
• PL 29-138:    Requires all government of Guam vehicle purchases to be the most fuel-efficient for its intended purpose
• PL 29-139:    Establishes parameters of use for Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Devices
• PL 29-140:    Authorizes Guam Academy Charter Schools
• PL 29-141:    Restricts use of telephone records without consent
• PL 29-142:    Criminalizes the use of scanning devices or re-encoders to capture encoded information from magnetic strips from credit, debit or other payment cards to place them on other cards
• PL 29-143:    Strengthens laws against adults who use minors in drug operations
• PL 29-144:    Establishes the new Guam Business Corporation Act
• PL 29-145:    Zones Lot No. 2357 in the Municipality of Dededo
• PL 29-146:    Requires as-built drawings to be submitted to the Department of Public Works upon completion of placement of underground utilities or lines on public easements
• PL 29-147:    Establishes strict penalties to prevent and deter the unauthorized destruction of irreplaceable remains, objects and sites of historical significance
• PL 29-148:    Defers the payment of Guam license fees for members of the Guam National Guard, the  reserves and their dependents while serving in active duty off-island
• PL 29-149:    Establishes the new Military Family Leave Act for Guam
• PL 29-150:    Creates tax incentives in the Qualifying Certificate Program for the manufacture, distribution and sale of alternative fuels and exempts such fuels from liquid fuel taxes
• PL 29-151:    Establishes the "Return of Private Properties Act of 2008"
• PL 29-152:    Rezones land in the Barrigada municipality from Agricultural to Light Industrial
• PL 29-153:    Rezones land for commercial use in Barrigada
• PL 29-154:    Adopts new rules and regulations for Airport employees
• PL 29-155:    Creates the "Council on Postsecondary Institution Certification"
• PL 29-156:    Approves the lease by and between the government of Guam and the Peleliu Club of Guam

January 30, 2009

Governor Felix P. Camacho today transmitted the proposed government of Guam financial plan for Fiscal Year 2010.

"The proposed budget was crafted with guarded assumptions of potential revenues and employs the usual frugal distribution of precious resources in these uncertain times," said Governor Camacho.

The revenue forecast for FY 2010 reflects a 2% increase over FY 2009 adopted levels. Gross revenues are expected to reach $533 million from which $522 million will go to government operations and $10.7 million to deficit reduction pursuant to PL. 29-113. 

Of the $533 million in General Fund projected revenues, deficit reduction receives $11 million (2%), education receives $219 million (42%); health receives $96 million (18%); public safety receives $70 million (14%); while all others receive $137 million (26%).

Special Fund sources projected at $108 million are at the same level as FY 2009.  Federal Matching Grants-In-Aid is at $37.7 million up from $34.1 million in FY 2009 primarily attributed to various indigent programs at the Department of Public Health and Social Services including the Food Stamp program, Public Assistance, and Medicaid.

"Our long term economic and financial outlook is cautiously optimistic largely due to the impending military buildup," said Governor Camacho. "The short term outlook is not as predictable due to market uncertainties and the unknown trickle down effects of the new Administration's tax policies and stimulus initiatives."

In the budget's transmittal letter addressed to Legislative Speaker Judith Won Pat, the Governor states that while the government's financials have made marked improvements, global economic, military, and political situations continue to threaten Guam's economic stability and sustainability. 

Proposed bill transmitted to Speaker Won Pat

January 29, 2009

Governor Felix P. Camacho today transmitted a proposed bill to the legislature that provides alternative financing options to meet the requirements set forth by the District Court and the Consent Decree regarding the closure of Ordot Dump and the opening of a new landfill.

One option outlined in the proposed bill is the "Guam Solid Waste Management System Revenue Bond Act," which allows for the issuance of solid waste management system bonds. According to the legislation, the bonds would be repaid by fees collected in the operation of solid waste management programs and, if needed, funded by Section 30 revenue.

Another proposal authorizes the use of lease financing and performance management contract tools. The "Guam Solid Waste Management System Lease Financing Act" states that costs associated with the lease would be paid back in periodic installments over a period of time determined by the legislature and the contractor.

The legislation also provides the option of combining any of the measures to achieve the most efficient and lowest cost financing, construction, operation and maintenance of the solid waste management system.

"The proposed legislation provides the government the flexibility to utilize the best, most affordable financing option to meet the timelines adopted by the federal court," Governor Camacho said. "These options are not mutually exclusive but rather could be combined to maximize government savings."

In a letter to Speaker Judith T. Won Pat, Governor Camacho thanked her and members of the legislature for their input on the proposed legislation. He urged continued cooperation between the administration and senators in addressing this important issue.

Governor Camacho encouraged the legislature to act expeditiously on this measure to avert the 1 million in cash deposits beginning March 1st as required by the receiver Gershman, Brickner & Bratton, Inc.

Letter seeks support for more flexibility for territorial spending   

January 29, 2009

Governor Felix P. Camacho joined the nation's territorial governors in seeking support for a resolution that will help ensure stimulus infrastructure funding for Guam and the territories will be immediately directed toward projects of the highest priority.

"I join the nation's governors in supporting the objectives of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to stimulate private investment, create jobs and hasten recovery," Governor Camacho said. "This bill is critical to increasing federal support for healthcare and education mandates, especially as we work toward investing in infrastructure improvements, securing tax provisions to spur investment and ensuring transparency and accountability throughout our government."

In a letter written to key Washington D.C. officials, Governor Camacho emphasized the need for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to include the mechanisms necessary for funding specialized needs of the territories.

"The effort undertaken by Congress should ensure that jobs are created while providing an incentive to businesses and families to reinvest in Guam and other territories," Governor Camacho said. "This measure will allow us to utilize these funds in areas of critical concern as we address the issues and challenges that are affecting the growth and sustainability of our island."

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 was passed by Congress today and is now under review by the U.S. Senate.  It is expected to provide both states and territories with resources to open new job opportunities that will further enhance economic growth, investment and ensure transparency and accountability for taxpayers throughout the nation. 

Port Authority of Guam chooses former Communication Director Meno
 

January 26, 2009
 
Governor Felix P. Camacho appointed Charlene Calip Director of Communications for the Office of the Governor. Calip will be taking over for former Director Bernadette Meno who has been named Port Marketing Administrator for the Port Authority of Guam.
 
"Bernadette was a profound credit to this administration and she will be truly missed. I wish her the very best and appreciate her many years of service to our people," said Governor Camacho. "I chose Charlene because of her experience, talent and dedication and I know that she will be a credit to the mission and message of this administration."
 
Calip was most recently Staff Assistant to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor in charge of communications, where she worked to support Adelup's agenda and acted as the central point of information regarding all media requests to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor.
 
"I am glad Charlene has answered the Governor's call to serve.  She is an indispensable member of my staff who approaches every task with purpose and a deep sense of character," said Lt. Governor Cruz.
 
Calip is a veteran of the Pacific News Center, a former Community Relations Manager in charge of communications for Northern California Urban Development Corporation, and a 2005 graduate of the University Of Guam's Communication program.