Senator Telo T. Taitague

Started the week with a virtual staff meeting to plan ahead before attending an important meeting! with the passage of my bill to establish a special Cost of Living Economic Task Force, Sen. Joe San Agustin, UOG Professor Roseann Jones, Guam DOL Chief Economist Gary Hiles, OFB Director Steve Guerrero and I got to work this week launching the first of what will be many meetings to discuss and develop a standardized COLA adjustment policy for our GovGuam retirees. Check out the story at guampdn.com. Today we remember the courage and bravery of our people who began a long, perilous occupation of Japanese forces 81 years ago. Many lives were lost. Many more survived and endured the fear and uncertainty of a world at war. But our people held strong in their faith, and today, we celebrate the Feast of Santa Marian Kamalen. Biba Guåhan yan Biba Santa Marian Kamalen!

We scored a win for our GovGuam retirees as my colleagues unanimously voted to pass my Bill 2-37 - a measure that brings us one step closer to making standardized annual Cost of Living Allowance adjustments. We need to build a COLA adjustment policy that truly helps our retirees, their families, and caregivers - just like the federal government and other municipalities throughout the nation. I was also able to successfully lobby my colleagues in passing a measure that will keep rental prices affordable for apartment and condominium residents by keeping swimming pool regulations from being too burdensome with the cost of employing lifeguards. Thank you to my colleagues for supporting this legislation for our people. Also had a chance to catch up with my Republican colleagues outside of business hours - looking forward to the year ahead for our party! The holidays are here and I encourage you all to create a safe, great weekend!

Guam is home to so many cultures and celebrating the Japan Autumn Festival with our Japanese community was a great way to kick off the season. The debate over where to build a new hospital for Guam continued with public hearings for Bill 185-37, which, if passed, will require that a new GovGuam medical facility be built only in Tamuning. Our people - residents from the north to the south, along with our medical community - speak passionately on this subject. But, in the end, we’ve got to come together and make the most responsible decision possible. Send your senators your thoughts and comments on this issue, every voice counts. I wish you and your families a safe and blessed Thanksgiving! Create great memories this holiday weekend, Guåhan!

Participated the Guam Diabetes Association conference this past Sunday to present a resolution and thank members and guest speakers for supporting our community. Attended the Committee on Rules meeting to set the agenda for our next session. My legislation to establish a Special Economic Service to review annual COLA adjustments will be debated - let’s hope for progress for our GovGuam retirees. Participated in an important cybersecurity roundtable discussion with public and private sector stakeholders, joined a public hearing for a bill to implement a Universal Garbage Collection policy, learned more about a measure that could increase fines for littering violations, and we heard from Janalynn Damian, who has been reappointed to the Guam Board of Equalization. I thank all those who continue to give their time to serve on our government boards and commissions. Also attended a Guam DOE oversight hearing for the Special Education division, as well as a public hearing to discuss the administration’s plans for new medical complex for Guam. We have so much work to do to improve health care on island. Wrapped up the week celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday with the Guam Legislature familia. Create a safe, blessed weekend, Guåhan.

Spent a sick day working from home watching briefings to get updated on the status of a cannabis lab, and catching public hearings regarding new efforts to build temporary workforce housing, and establishing a new endowment fund for the Chamorro Land Trust Commission. Also attended a public hearing for a measure that will require boards and commissions to publish audio files from meetings online, where Public Auditor BJ Cruz testified to show support for bringing more transparency to GovGuam. Special thanks to Police Chief Stephen Ignacio for taking the time to participate in a public hearing for my legislation - Bill No. 188-37, which will help GPD procure audiovisual recording equipment to be used during police interviews - we’ve got the funding available, now it’s time to put it to good use. Show our Veterans your love and appreciation for their bravery and sacrifices on this Veterans Day, Guam, and create a safe, great weekend!

Even when the odds are against us, we just have to put up a good fight and stand up for what we believe is right. I tried during session to make the public sale of fireworks as safe as possible, but a majority of my colleagues, for one reason or another, voted against basic safety amendments. I urge you all to prepare and protect your families from fire and fireworks-related accidents as many in our community remain concerned about the dangers ahead. Our work continues. My staff participated in a tour of the A.B. Won Pat International Airport while I attended public hearings to discuss the construction of a new hospital, along with informational briefings regarding legislative efforts to improve broadband infrastructure in Guam, require body cameras for our police officers, and to get the latest updates on the Guam Department of Education. The holiday season is upon us and too many have lost loved ones in recent traffic accidents. Let’s keep safety in mind and I encourage you all to look out for one another and be cautious while out on our roads. Create a safe, great weekend, Guam! Telo T. Taitague

I stood for the people of Guam today as I came under fire to strongly oppose the legalization of fireworks on Guam. I tried and worked hard to create better, safer legal fireworks legislation - unfortunately my colleagues feel that unfettered access to fireworks is in your best interest. I will keep fighting for your safety. Write to your senators, make your voices heard. We spent this week’s session discussing a number of bills, including one that would extend the $100 monthly power credit for ratepayers, and discussed a resolution in support of non-military residents receiving compensation for Agent Orange exposure, as well Guam’s support of Israel in the midst of the ongoing conflict. We moved on a measure to restore the GDOE management audit, among other important pieces of legislation. I extend my condolences to the family of the late U.S. District Court Judge Johnny Sablan Unpingco, he was a great friend and fellow cabinet member as we served together in the Calvo Administration. Create a safe weekend, Guåhan.

On Monday morning I introduced Bill No. 188-37 - a measure with certified funding available for the Guam Police Department to purchase audiovisual equipment to be placed at certain precincts to record official interviews and interrogations. I’m hoping we can better protect our law enforcement officials in carrying out their duties - while also ensuring the rights of our people are secure. Let’s improve public trust in our law enforcement system. Special thanks to the Pacific Daily News and the Guam Daily Post for sharing this news on my bill with their readers; and Si Yu’os Ma’ase to all of our local media for always keeping our community informed. I also had to take a quick trip to Manila for a minor medical procedure and checkup - let’s get to work in building a new hospital and doing what we can to keep GMH sustainable. There’s lots to be done and it’s good to be home, catching up with work and the issues before us. Create a safe and great weekend, Guåhan!

Grateful to have been spared from Typhoon Bolaven and I hope everyone made it safely through this week’s rough weather. My colleagues and I shifted our legislative calendar in light of emergency conditions, and went straight into emergency session to address the many issues at Guam Memorial Hospital. We passed Bill No. 164-37 which, if signed by the governor, will ensure that all excess GovGuam revenue goes to the hospital. We still have much to do to improve health care on island as we must maintain our current facilities while simultaneously planning to fund and build a new hospital for our people. Our work continues as we attempt to collaborate with the administration on workable solutions. Create a great, safe weekend, Guam!

Rising prices and increasing inflation require us to revisit how we calculate COLA for our GovGuam retirees and I thank the economists and stakeholders who joined me for a roundtable discussion for Bill No. 2-37, which could establish a Special Economic Service to set a transparent way to calculate annual COLA adjustments. I also attended a public hearing to open bidding for the grading and mineral extraction of a lot in Mangilao which could financially benefit the Chamorro Land Trust Commission, and participated in a confirmation hearing for those sharing their time to serve on the Guam Public Library System’s Board of Directors. Special thanks to all those who serve on our government boards and commissions for their commitment to our community. Wrapped up the week celebrating National Arts & Humanities Month with the Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities. Create a safe, great weekend, Guåhan!

More concerning news was presented during a Guam Memorial Hospital Oversight Hearing that the hospital’s conditions are worse now than they were before the infusion of pandemic funds. We heard testimony on a bill to mandate that GovGuam reports be submitted electronically to government officials; discussed eliminating the Primary Election for Guam; placing external defibrillators in government offices; the Port's resolution to enter into another 30-year lease with the Marianas Yacht Club; and learned more about Rev & Tax’s operational issues; and were informed of Director Dafne Shimizu’s plans to resign. Thank you for your service and best wishes, Dafne! We held a Confirmation Hearing for Mr. Edgar Aguilar who was appointed to the GMH Board of Trustees and wrapped up the week with a Confirmation Hearing for former Lieutenant Governor Brig. Gen. Dr. Michael W. Cruz who has been tapped to serve as the Adjutant General of the Guam National Guard. Create a safe and great weekend, Guåhan!

Public Hearings were in full swing this week as we talked about giving our mayors more control of their oath-taking ceremonies and putting life-saving defibrillator equipment at their offices. We spoke with education officials about purchasing solar energy equipment, service learning requirements, getting school campuses fully ADA compliant, and giving the Guam Education Board more financial control over GDOE affairs. We also discussed rolling back the Business Privilege Tax on food and medicine for a year, and entertained a measure that could place a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages. What are your thoughts on a sugar tax - let me know by commenting below or sending a private message! I also met with our Chief Economist Gary Hiles to fine tune COLA legislation for our GovGuam retirees. Biba Kumpleåños to my Policy Analyst Pete Leon Guerrero! Create a great weekend, Guåhan!

Attended public hearings for measures to provide emergency contraception for victims of sexual assault and r**e, and to place a referendum on the ballot for voters to decide on abortion. We're moving forward on a bill to prevent GovGuam from employing those who have been convicted of official misconduct and a measure to further support affordable housing in Guam. My colleagues and I also had a briefing on the Guam National Guard from former Lieutenant Governor Col. Michael Cruz who, upon legislative confirmation, will serve as the Adjutant General. Wrapped up the week with a Team Taitague meeting to discuss what’s coming up for our community. Congratulations to Cristina Garcia on her retirement from the Department of Public Health and Social Services and thank you for all you have done to serve the people of Guam. Create a great weekend, Guåhan!

For those who perished, for those who fought, may we always remember our fellow Patriots.

The Legislature was back to work with hearings to confirm appointments to the Guam International Airport Authority, the Guam Economic Development Authority, and the Port Authority of Guam. We are fighting for our local farmers to get post-typhoon compensation for their crop losses and I hope we get to the bottom of why these hard-working farmers aren’t being helped in a timely manner. We also heard from our real estate and tourism industry leaders about how to proceed with GovGuam laws for private swimming pools. We ended the week with an oversight hearing with our education officials from GDOE who updated us on the status of our schools. The work continues. Create a safe weekend, Guåhan.

The FY’24 GovGuam Budget Act was passed this week by a vote of 9-6 - my Republican colleagues and I voted no, taking a stand against appropriating potential excess money the government cannot be certain will be available. We also introduced new legislation, an effort led by my colleague, Senator Lujan, that could ensure any excess money the government gets goes directly to the hospital, where it’s badly needed. Attended a ceremony to congratulate the first cohort of the Guam Fire Department's First Paramedic Cohort and ended the week discussing how best to proceed with GovGuam’s self-insurance plans. It’s Labor Day Weekend and I thank each and every member of our workforce for all they do to keep our community strong. Create a great, safe and restful weekend, Guam! Happy Labor Day!

Republican caucus introduces bill to ensure excess GovGuam revenue goes toward hospital’s mission to save lives and care for the community.

My Republican colleagues and I continued the fight for a conservative budget for the upcoming Fiscal Year’s operations - calling out wasteful spending of the Rainy Day Fund for salary increases and questioning why smaller entities are increasing budgets for salaries and more staff. GovGuam must be accountable to everyone, not just a select few. The Legislature bid farewell to former Yigo Commission John F. Blas during a state funeral at the Guam Congress Building and we had a chance to meet with a visiting Congressional Delegation on island to find out more about our COFA issues. Budget talks continue next week as we race against the clock to meet our statutory deadline to pass the FY ’24 Budget. Create a safe, blessed weekend, Guåhan! Welcome home to my visiting family from Northern California and Happy Birthday to my good friend Ina Lee!

The Legislature’s Budget Sessions continue and we’re working really hard to get GovGuam’s limited resources to where they really are needed. There may be disagreements about where funds should go, but I’m confident my colleagues and I will find a way toward a balanced budget. I also got to speak with our local media about important amendments to the budget and heard important information about GovGuam’s self insurance plan. Welcome home, Uncle Joe and I hope you and Jen have a great time on the island! Find out more about where your lawmakers are in the budget process by visiting the Guam Legislature’s YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9nM8pRaUso. Create a safe weekend, my fellow Guamanians.

It takes a number of public servants from all branches of GovGuam to work together through differing opinions and approaches to government budgeting to keep Guam running. Your lawmakers, with guidance from the Legislature’s Office of Finance and Budget, heard the latest updates on GovGuam’s finances from the administration’s finance team and we’re well on our way to working through details of what’s expected to be a $1.16 billion budget. Visit https://www.youtube.com/ to catch the latest on the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Session. Stay alert for weather information and create a safe weekend, Guam.

Education topped our priorities this week as my colleagues and I debated and passed several measures we hope will get our students back into safe classrooms as quickly as possible. I attended budget hearings for the Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency and the Department of Public Health and Social Services; participated in a missile defense informational briefing at the Legislature and in the village of Hågat; and joined a public hearing for a resolution to request that Congress appropriate money for non-military resident exposure to the harmful chemical Agent Orange. Budget sessions will be in full swing starting next week and I urge all our residents to check out www.guamlegislature.com for more information and media links to the latest in your legislative news. Create a safe and great weekend, Guåhan!

Your Republican lawmakers continue the fight to protect the constitutional rights of our people and, with support from across the aisle, passed Bill No. 7-37 repealing criminal penalties for violations of executive orders. We also toughened penalties for the use of a deadly weapon in the commission of a felony, and strengthened laws to further protect the privacy of crime victims. I welcome to Guam our new Japan Consul-General Ishigami Rumiko and look forward to working with her office in the future. Check out your local media websites for more legislative news and stay updated with the latest in weather information. Stay alert and create a safe weekend, Guam!

Education officials were in the spotlight this week as discussed the upcoming school year and the agency's budget. We found out more about our government’s finances during a Special Economic Services Meeting, held a hearing on a measure to expedite spending to meet timeline requirements, and discussed legislation to hire retired Guam DOE facilities & maintenance personnel. I also attended a cybersecurity conference with local and military officials, tuned into the Attorney General’s DOE roundtable meeting, participated in this week’s Town Hall Meeting regarding the military’s Missile Defense System, and had a chance to congratulate American President Lines as they expanded their fleet with a new vessel - more shipping lines to keep Guam connected! Create a safe and great Liberation Day weekend, Guåhan!

Glad to have the chance to meet with our new University of Guam President Dr. Anita Borja Enriquez. I know great things are coming for our UOG Tritons! My colleagues and I kicked off the week with confirmation hearings for Michelle Perez who will officially take the helm of the Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities; and Ron Pangilinan who will serve as a member of the Guam Land Use Commission. Congratulations and thank you for serving our community. Budget Hearings for the Mayor’s Council of Guam, Guam Memorial Hospital, Guam Visitors Bureau, and the Office of the Attorney General were held this week… our government finance planning continues and I encourage you to tune in or check out the news to find out how your tax dollars are being spent. We wrapped up this week meeting with GVB’s management and board leadership to discuss how together, the membership, the board, and the agency can best carry out their mission. I’m looking forward to solutions that will establish a fair and transparent GVB where all levels of the bureau are focused on promoting Destination Guam. Create a safe and great weekend, Guahan!

Kicked off the week by passing the legislation to hopefully keep Airport concession operations running smoothly before the Tuesday holiday to celebrate the Fourth of July. I also joined Speaker Therese Terlaje in paying our last respects to legendary Marianas musician Candido “Candy” Taman. We talked numbers with the Guam Police Department and the Department of Rev & Tax during this week’s budget hearings. Team Taitague celebrated Kelly Palomo on her birthday (with a belated birthday celebration for me, too!) Attended the promotion ceremony for newly-minted Lieutenant Amanda Francel Blas, dropped into the Guam Chamber of Commerce’s Business Recovery Summit and Expo before closing out the work week with the Rev & Tax Budget Hearing. Find out where your tax dollars are going by checking out your GovGuam agency budget hearings at www.youtube.com/. Happy, Blessed Birthday, Kelly and Congratulations Lt. Amanda Blas! Create a safe, great weekend, Guåhan!

We wouldn’t be as strong as we are today without the resiliency of Guam’s Greatest Generation and my colleagues and I celebrated our manamko’ during “War Survivor Remembrance Day.” It was a busy week of session but I made a donation to the Salvation Army before getting back to work to debate measures to improve GovGuam’s procurement appeals process, restore public assistance program participation for those with drug felony convictions, and update Guam’s air quality regulations to meet national standards. We ended the week voting to establish a local Emergency Opioid Access Bystander Program, passed a bill requiring campuses to have Automated External Defibrillators and hopefully, we will finally move forward with rebuilding Sanchez High. The Guam Department of Education’s outgoing Acting Superintendent Dr. Judi Won Pat gave us a critical update on the state of our school campuses during an oversight hearing for GDOE - a critical reminder that our work must continue. Check out more of the legislation that matters most to you by visiting guamlegislature.com. Create a create a safe weekend, Guåhan!

It was a week of working in home quarantine and keeping up with legislative matters, trying to recover in time for session next week. Important bills are on the agenda and I hope you will tune in to see how my colleagues and I will move forward on rebuilding Sanchez High, the implementation of the Safe School Facilities Act, and whether or not those with felonies will get a chance to apply for, and receive, federal public assistance services. Other important measures will be voted on as well. Visit guamlegislature.com to check out the calendar and session agenda to see what bills matter most to you. Send your lawmakers comments and opinions - your voice could help make our laws stronger. Create a safe, great weekend, Guåhan!

Hafa adai! The first Disaster Recovery Center *opens today, Saturday, June 3 at 12 noon at the Guam Community College Building E.* Guam homeowners and renters who were affected by Typhoon Mawar can register with FEMA in person at this GCC location or by calling 1-800-621-3362, visiting disasterassistance.gov or downloading the application on the FEMA App. More locations will be announced soon!

It’s been a tough week of typhoon recovery for everyone, and my colleagues and I were forced to take a realistic look at GovGuam’s true financial picture. The news isn’t great, but despite this, your Legislature agreed to provide $50 million for typhoon recovery efforts. My fellow Guamanians, false hope was given to our struggling families with the idea that direct cash assistance was possible. The hard truth is that our government coffers are not overflowing with cash and we must be more responsible with our resources. I’m truly sorry many were made to believe otherwise. Our work together continues and I wish you all a safe, productive weekend. May God continue to bless our island.

My Dad truly is the reason and inspiration for my public service and I would not have found the courage to answer this call without his unending support. My family and I thank you all for your kind thoughts and condolences as we mourn the passing of our father, Jose Quinene Lizama Taitague. These indeed are difficult times for all our families in Guam and we pray for the safety of each and every one of you. May the Lord keep Dad and all our familia and friends in the palm of His hand.

Si Yu’os Ma’ase,

Si Telo, Debbie, Tana, Anita and all the Taitague familia

Thanks to technology, being off-island doesn’t stop me from keeping up with Legislative business! I had a chance to celebrate my birthday with family this year - but that didn’t come without tuning into budget hearings for the Department of Administration, the Guam Community College, the University of Guam, the Guam Veterans Affairs Office, the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Youth Affairs. I’m hoping we can responsibly give your hardworking GovGuam family the resources they need to keep up with their missions to serve our community. I’m also grateful to the many people who came out to the oversight hearing held to discuss potential sites for a new hospital. We had professionals from the medical community give testimony in favor of keeping a new hospital in Tamuning, and more importantly, we heard powerful testimony from private citizens who shared personal stories of how the locations of GMH and other medical facilities played a role in caring for their loved ones. We need to hear more people speak out in order to make the best decision possible for our island’s new hospital and I hope the public remains proactive in guiding government decision-making. Looking forward to returning home this weekend and getting back to work. Create a great weekend, Guåhan!