by Mindy Aguon

Guam - Adelup is still reviewing two pieces of legislation that were passed by lawmakers last week. Lieutenant Governor Ray Tenorio has been tasked to review Bill 513, which was discussed and passed in a mere three hours by lawmakers straight down party lines.

The legislation purports to give Government of Guam employees and retirees more options for health insurance but there are many concerns about the bill and the impact it would have on a current appeal and stay of the Fiscal Year 2013 health insurance contract.

Meanwhile, Governor Eddie Calvo says he is reviewing substitute Bill 496, which would provide for an extension of American Reinvestment and Recovery Act funding for the Department of Education, as well as clear up a budget blunder by ensuring that the Guam Legislature and the Guam Judiciary have the authority to hire unclassified employees.

He told KUAM News, "I'm waiting for that final review and from all appearances - I don't have any major problems with it and I look forward to a signature once I get the advice from legal counsel and policy."

Without the governor's signature on the measure, unclassified workers at the Legislature and Judiciary - including judges and justices - will not get paid this coming Friday.

Substitute Bill 496 was passed after lawmakers failed to garner enough votes for an override of Bill 516 that included a provision to de-appropriate $3 million for the Department of Mental Health and instead give it to the University of Guam and the Guam Community College.