A bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced legislation to direct nearly $19.75 million in bond savings to the Guam Memorial Hospital Authority for urgent repairs and upgrades. Bill 188-38 (LS), introduced by Sen. Telo T. Taitague and cosponsored by Sens. Sabina Flores Perez, Chris Barnett, and Shelly V. Calvo, would allocate funds from debt service savings made possible through the refinancing of the Government of Guam’s 2015D bonds.
The measure responds to long-standing concerns about GMH’s aging infrastructure and operational shortfalls, with lawmakers emphasizing the funds will address critical capital improvements such as electrical upgrades, roof replacement, and restoring reliable air conditioning. “This is about answering the call for immediate support to ensure the safety of every patient and the reliability of our only public hospital,” Taitague said.
Gov. Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero earlier Wednesday called for a special session to act on her separate proposal, Bill No. 1 (3-S), which seeks to appropriate $40 million from the General Fund to GMH. Calvo, however, said the refinancing savings represent a “responsible and immediate solution,” describing them as real dollars already secured. “By appropriating verified savings from the Series 2025G bond refinancing, we avoid the pitfalls of phantom appropriations,” Calvo said.
Barnett and Perez joined in stressing that the measure provides practical resources, not political rhetoric. “Lip service doesn’t pay the bills and press releases can’t fix what’s broken at the hospital — but this money will,” Barnett said. Perez added that the legislation, alongside a separate bill to tap unallocated balances from the Pharmaceutical Fund, reflects a collaborative effort to stabilize GMH and ensure it continues to serve as the island’s public hospital.