by Mindy Aguon

Guam - Governor Eddie Calvo, in a press release issued late Tuesday, said he understands why the legislative leadership may be apprehensive about his bill - specifically because it removes the benefits lawmakers receive through a cash-out of their annual leave. According to the release, if the governor's bill does not pass, then its main critics in the legislative leadership in December will each cash-out up to nearly $10,000 from taxpayers that would have otherwise gone to pay tax refunds.

The Administration maintains if senators pass the governor's bill the estimated total savings from the removal of the cash out entitlement from senators and other unclassified employees is about $1.6 million.

Of note is that the bill also prevents the governor, lieutenant governor, senior staff, cabinet and other unclassified employees from cashing out their accrued annual leave at the end of the term.

The hearings on the governor's spending cuts bill continue next week where lawmakers will hear on the proposed cuts relative to the National Guard, the Government of Guam Retirement Fund, teachers and nurses.