Senator Joe S. San Agustin successfully passed two amendments to Bill 44-38 during the Fiscal Year 2026 budget session, securing over $26 million for critical priorities, including the Simon A. Sanchez High School rebuild and Guam’s Rainy Day Fund. The amendments draw from the unobligated Fiscal Year 2025 General Fund balance and were passed unanimously by lawmakers.
One amendment provides $16,377,125 to fulfill funding requirements under Public Law 37-22 for the high school’s lease-back payments, construction, furniture and equipment, as well as insurance and maintenance. San Agustin said the funding was essential to keep the long-awaited project on track. “The Sharks have waited too long, and we must keep pushing forward to bring them home,” he said, noting the progress already made in the bid process.
The second amendment appropriates $10 million to the Rainy Day Fund, which is used for emergencies and influences the island’s credit rating. Guam law mandates a deposit equal to 2% of available appropriations for the fiscal year, or about $17 million for FY2026. The amendment also requires all unobligated fourth-quarter revenues from FY2025 to be deposited into the fund. San Agustin emphasized that meeting this mandate strengthens Guam’s financial stability and supports future financing opportunities.
San Agustin said he will continue advocating for programs and services that ensure the continuity of care for the people of Guam as budget deliberations continue.