Speaker Frank F. Blas, Jr. is calling for greater prioritization and consistent investment in maintaining and modernizing the Government of Guam’s computer systems, describing reliable digital infrastructure as “essential to both efficient government operations and public service delivery.”
“Government systems are no longer a luxury – they are the backbone of how we serve our people,” Blas stated. “When these systems fail or become outdated, it is not just an inconvenience for agencies; it directly impacts the daily lives of our residents.”
Blas highlighted the Guam Department of Revenue and Taxation (DRT) as a key example, noting that stable and secure systems are vital for processing tax filings, issuing refunds, and providing essential taxpayer services. Reliable digital platforms, he said, allow DRT to allocate staff to areas requiring in-person assistance rather than routine processing tasks that can be handled online.
“At their best, these systems reduce long wait times, improve accuracy, and make services more accessible,” he said. “For many working families, being able to complete transactions online instead of spending hours in line is not just convenient – it’s necessary.”
The Speaker emphasized that cybersecurity, preventative maintenance, and system upgrades must be treated as core government functions, not afterthoughts. He called for proactive planning to avoid outages and ensure business continuity, particularly during high-demand periods like tax season.
“Our goal should be simple: systems that work, all the time,” Blas said. “By prioritizing the health of our digital infrastructure, we are respecting the time of our people and strengthening trust in government.”
Blas reaffirmed his commitment to supporting funding and policy measures aimed at modernizing government technology to meet the needs of a modern, connected community.