|
|
Acting Governor Cruz Signs Legislature's FY 2009 Budget into Law and Averts a Government Shut down |
|
Administration has numerous concerns within Bill 207
September 30, 2008
Acting Governor Michael W. Cruz, M.D. signed the highly debated budget Bill No. 207 into law just one hour before the Government of Guam would have had to shut down.
"It is with reservation Bill No. 207 is signed into law as Public Law 29-113 with the time for proper review reduced from 10 days to less than 24 hours," said Acting Governor Cruz. "We will continue to analyze the impact of the Fiscal Year 2009 Budget moving forward.
One highly debated provision of the bill is the authorization to issue bonds for deficit financing. Although the idea of borrowing money to pay off long term obligations will provide immediate cash into our economy, current conditions in the market make this measure highly unfeasible.
"While we acknowledge the authority to pursue a bond, the administration will not move in this direction unless bond conditions become favorable. We must proceed with caution and remain conservative and realistic with market conditions," said the Acting Governor.
The government's financial advisors warned that the market is currently frozen particularly in light of the global credit crisis and the failed passage of the $700B Federal Government bailout of Wall Street.
The Acting Governor discussed many details of the 231 page bill with Governor Felix Camacho, currently attending a U.S. Department of the Interior-sponsored Health Summit in Hawaii, and the Administration's finance team over the past 19 hours.
The budget of $520 million, a figure proposed by the Administration this past January, will set the budgets for the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Branches of the government for Fiscal Year 2009.
"We are not confident with the legislature's ability to produce a budget in the amount of time left in the fiscal year to avoid a government of Guam shut down if the budget bill was vetoed," said Acting Governor Cruz. "Senators must be reminded that the annual government budget is the single most important responsibility of the legislative branch."
|
|
DPHSS to Implement Electronic Prescription Drug Monitoring Program |
|
Over three hundred thousand federal dollars will assist their effort
September 25, 2008
The Guam State Clearinghouse, under the office of Lieutenant Governor Michael W. Cruz, M.D. is pleased to announce that the Division of Environmental Health of the Department of Public Health and Social Services was recently awarded $317,587 in federal funds for the development and implementation of an electronic prescription drug monitoring program. The grant, from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, U.S. Department of Justice will provide one more weapon in the battle against the diversion of pharmaceutical controlled substances into illegal channels.
The Guam Prescription Drug Monitoring Program will focus on three goals in its startup year: developing program infrastructure; developing the program's data collection process; and strengthening the regulatory foundation and partnerships for collecting electronic prescription drug data. The Division will be working closely with the law enforcement and medical communities in this endeavor.
The Division of Environmental Health is led by M. Thomas Nadeau, Environmental Health Services Administrator. Ms. Cynthia Naval, the Division's Planner IV, led the grant writing team. |
|
Good Samaritan Hospital Donates Four New Defibrillators to Guam's PAD Task Force |
September 24, 2008  Adding to the number of defibrillators available around the island, Good Samaritan Hospital Physician's director Tom Baumann and cancer specialist Dr. Lasika Seneviratne, donated four defibrillators to Guam's Public Access to Defibrillators (PAD) Task Force during their visit to Guam. Lieutenant Governor Michael Cruz along with PAD member Doris Crisostomo received the defibrillators, which cost $2,500 each, during a courtesy visit on Monday. "It is a known fact that these devices can save lives," said Lt. Governor Cruz. "We appreciate Good Samaritan's donation and their commitment to the health of our community." The Lt. Governor launched a PAD program and task force as part of his Healthy Guam Initiative. The task force has been working towards installing life saving equipment throughout government agencies and training employees on how to use the device. Guam's PAD task force joins agencies nationwide in developing the PAD program. The program trains emergency responders and citizens on how to intervene during emergencies such as heart attacks or strokes using a computerized medical device, known as Automated External Defibrillators. |
|
|
Media Advisory – 09/18/08 |
|
Governor Felix P. Camacho tomorrow will declare Saturday, September 20, 2008, as Seat Check Saturday in an effort to promote seat belt safety.
Governor Camacho also will proclaim the week of September 21 – 27, 2008, as National Child Passenger Safety Week as part of the nation's campaign to promote proper use of child safety restraint systems.
A proclamation signing ceremony will be held tomorrow, September 19, 2008, at 11 a.m. in the Cabinet Conference Room, Adelup.
|
|
|
Nearly $3 Million in OEA Grants to Fund Critical |
|
Guam Buildup Studies
Governor secures $4.6 million in OEA grant funding since 2007
September 12, 2008
Governor Felix P. Camacho today announced that Guam has been awarded nearly $3 million in grants from the Office of Economic Adjustment to contract the services of financial, environmental and waste management experts who will assist local officials in developing an effective Guam Military Integration and Growth Strategy.
"The advisory services made possible through this funding will help us assess the potential impact the military relocation will have on this entire community," Governor Camacho said. "These environmental, financial, land and waste management studies will further highlight the critical concerns that must be addressed as we continue to build our case for the financial support we need for a successful Guam Buildup."
Since 2007, Governor Camacho has secured $4,635,890 in OEA grants that have assisted in the initial organization, development and planning process for the Military Integration and Growth Initiative.
Governor Camacho recently met with federal officials in Washington D.C. to seek financial support for the Guam Buildup, successfully securing the additional $2,976,166 in OEA grant funds. The money will be used for many studies including consultation services from financial experts to assist in preparing a Socioeconomic Impact Assessment Study. Fiscal policy experts also will study Guam's current fiscal condition, social and community infrastructural needs and the fiscal impact the military buildup will have on Guam to develop an overall Financial Impact Assessment report.
Environmental field experts also will work with local officials in identifying the environmental impact of the military buildup in reference to the U.S. Navy's Environmental Impact Statement and Overseas Environmental Impact Statement, in addition to conducting a Joint Land Use Study to identify land compatibility and sustainability issues.
In addition, the grant will fund an Integrated Waste Management Study to incorporate new technologies and best practices to ensure landfill sustainability and longevity.
|
|
|
Pacific Energy Symposium brings federal grants and private funding opportunities to Guam |
|
September 8, 2008
The Office of the Governor along with the Guam State Clearing House, Guam Energy Office, Guam EPA and the United States Departments of Agriculture and Energy will host a symposium highlighting various concepts of alternative energy.
The event, which is free of charge for all participants, will inform attendees on topics such as the implementation of sustainable energy solutions, best energy management practices and renewable energy technologies and alternatives. Off-island guests from USDA will share information on how island communities can lessen energy consumption costs and become less dependent on fossil fuel resources.
Governor Felix P. Camacho and Lieutenant Governor Michael W. Cruz expressed their support for the event saying the symposium is a step in the direction Guam should go.
"This is an opportunity for our local government to engage in serious dialogue that will, in the years to come, help our island reduce its dependence on fossil fuels," said Governor Camacho.
"Through the implementation of sustainable energy technologies and practices within our homes, schools, and public and privately-owned facilities, we will be doing our part to help our island be more energy efficient and economical," said Lt. Governor Cruz.
The Pacific Energy Symposium will take place tomorrow, September 9, 2008 from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., at the Westin Resort Guam's Somnak Room.
Individuals wishing to attend and participate at this event are asked to contact Ms. Pat Florig or Ms. Ann Senato at 646-4361.
|
|
|
Media Advisory – 09/08/08 |
|
First Lady Joann Camacho and Mrs. Monika French, along with representatives from local and federal agencies and non-profit organizations, will be making a major announcement regarding plans for upcoming charity work.
The announcement will take place today, September 8, 2008, at 2 p.m. at Government House.
For more information, please contact Diane Cruz at 898-0247.
|
|
|
Pacific Energy Symposium 2008 |
September 4, 2008 The Office of the Governor, in cooperation with the United States’ Departments of Agriculture and Energy, will host the Pacific Energy Symposium on September 9, 2008, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Westin Resort Guam’s Somnak Room. The Pacific Energy Symposium focuses on federal grants and private funding opportunities and programs available to businesses, individuals, public entities, governments and farmers. Presentations will specifically cover the implementation of sustainable energy solutions, best energy management practices, renewable energy technologies and alternatives, energy conservation practices and resource conservation to help our island community lessen energy consumption costs and become less dependent on fossil fuel resources. The Pacific Energy Symposium is made possible through a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, State Energy Program. All presentation materials, complimentary refreshments and lunch are provided through this grant. The symposium agenda is attached for your information. Individuals wishing to attend and participate at this event are asked to complete the attached registration form and forward this information to Ms. Pat Florig or Ms. Ann Senato by 12:00 p.m., September 8, 2008. Please contact Ms. Florig or Ms. Senato at 646.4361 should there be any questions concerning this letter of invitation. |
|
| | << Start < Prev 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 Next > End >>
| | Results 388 - 396 of 494 |
A Message from the Governor of Guam
|
