by Sabrina Salas Matanane

Guam - Just before 10:30 this morning Senators went into a 3^rd Special Session called by Governor Eddie Baza Calvo. Bill 1-3-S calls for his original $343M bond to pay out all past due tax refunds. Senators moved the legislation to the 2^nd reading file and requested representatives from the following agencies to join them this afternoon when they reconvene from recess:

-Department of Revenue and Taxation

-Guam Memorial Hospital

-Department of Education

-Guam Economic Development Authority

-Bureau of Budget Management and Research

-Governor's Chief Financial Officer

-Department of Administration

-Chamorro Land Trust Commission

-Government of Guam Retirement Fund

Special session resumes at 1 o'clock this afternoon. During special session Wednesday, the Democrats removed the bond provision from the Governor's compromise budget Bill 1-2-S. Substitute Bill 1-2-S passed 8-6 with all republicans voting against its passage. Senator Dennis Rodriguez, Jr. is off island. Senator Ben Pangelinan, meanwhile has introduced Bill 305 which calls for his $180M bond proposal. By removing the bond from the budget, these latest developments have brought this process full circle.

Budget/Bond Battle Timeline

Ø August 16^th: Session starts with announcement that Governor's $343M bond was removed from his original bill, Substitute Bill 145 was accepted by majority

Ø August 22^nd: Democrats approve amendment by Senator Ben Pangelinan to include in SB145 $180M bond ($120M will go to pay past due tax refunds)

Ø August 26^th: SB145 passes by vote of 8-7 (All republicans vote No, Senator Dennis Rodriguez, Jr. passed 3 times constituting a No vote. )

Ø September 1^st: Governor Eddie Calvo vetoes SB145 calling it "disastrous"

Ø September 2^nd: Governor Calvo calls Senators into a Special Session to discuss his new budget, Bill 1-1-S

o Lawmakers during special session voted down Bill 1-1-S. Vote was 7-6.

o Lawmakers then went out of special session and back into regular session where they attempted to override the Governor's veto of SB145. The override failed.

Ø September 5^th: Governor Calvo sends Legislature a compromise bill. Bill 1-2-S calls for $239M bond of which $187M would go to pay past due tax refunds and $20M to COLA.

Ø September 6^th: Governor Calvo calls lawmakers into second Special Session. Lawmakers moved Bill 1-2-S to 2^nd reading file and 14 Senators sign letter to Governor asking clarification with legislation.

Ø September 7^th: Governor Calvo responds to lawmakers concerns. Lawmakers return to 2^nd Special Session and remove language from Governor's Bill 1-2-S and replace it with contents of newly introduced Bill 304 which separates bond from budget. Bill 304 provides funding for government operations only. Senator Ben Pangelinan introduces Bill 305 for $180M bond to pay past due tax refunds.

Ø September 8^th: Governor Calvo calls Senators into 3^rd Special Session to deliberate on a new bill proposing a $343M bond to pay all past due tax refunds