Kandit will be discussing this further during our livestream of legislative session today. The follow is a news release from the Office of Congressman Michael San Nicolas:
The government of Guam is slated to receive the largest single sum in direct funding from the federal government in history, to support operations as a result of COVID-19. $117,968,257.80 is allocated to the government of Guam on a per person basis to be used under the following conditions: Costs: (1) are necessary expenditures incurred due to the public health emergency with respect to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID–19); (2) were not accounted for in the budget most recently approved as of the date of enactment of this section for the State or government; and (3) were incurred during the period that begins on March 1, 2020, and ends on December 30, 2020. "I urge the Governor to utilize the cash management authority she has been during these times to program local dollars to immediately pay tax refunds to our people, while legitimately applying this $117mm as stipulated in conformance with federal law," said Congressman San Nicolas. Additionally $2,932,867 is granted to the Government of Guam specifically for the Department of Corrections. "Ongoing concerns of personnel and inmate exposure need to be immediately addressed with these funds," stated Congressman San Nicolas. Also, $20,693,369 is granted to the Guam International Airport to facilitate debt service payments and operational costs, provided that they retain 90% of their workforce. "I trust the management of airport administrator and former Senator Tom Ada will ensure that not only is our airport maintained so that we can keep bringing in needed goods for our community, but that the experienced personnel will be retained so that we have the experience on hand to see the job through," stated Congressman San Nicolas. "This historic level of funding direct to the Government of Guam must not be misused or taken for granted as our record of prudent stewardship during these times will determine whether we can avail of more of the same in future dates," cautions Congressman San Nicolas. "I urge vigilant oversight by I Liheslaturan Guåhan, the Office of the Public Auditor, and the Attorney General of Guam to ensure that all local leadership can account for every federal dollar at the end of the day," Congressman San Nicolas concluded.
