Judicial Council to take legal action
The Judicial Council of Guam during their meeting this afternoon passed a resolution authorizing legal action against the Department of Administration for non-payment of their mandated allotments.
By KUAM NewsGuam - The Judicial Council of Guam during their meeting this afternoon passed a resolution authorizing legal action against the Department of Administration for non-payment of their mandated allotments. Public law 30-117 mandates the Judiciary of Guam get 4.6% of all revenue collected by the government.
This fiscal year, to date the Judicial Council reports the General Fund received more than $471 million. That means $21.6 million is supposed to go toward the Judiciary to help fund its shortfalls. The Judicial Council revealed that only $14 million was received and is awaiting the payment of $7.2 million that's owed.
The Council members passed the resolution but Superior Court Presiding Judge Alberto Lamorena abstained due to a conflict of interest. The Judiciary faces payless paydays and a decline in court services if they do not get the funds. Chief justice F. Philip Carbullido says although he understands the dire financial situation of the government, they are only asking for equitable treatment.