Governor pushing for spending before bill expires

Guam - As we reported on Thursday, the Judiciary of Guam is making drastic changes to keep operations afloat due to cuts in its budget. And while the island's court system council approved its proposal for cuts, it still remains to be seen as for what kind of cuts will be made for the rest of the Government of Guam.
The Judiciary of Guam approved a deficit reduction plan Thursday resulting in several changes to the court notably a 10 percent across the board salary cut for all employees and a 36-hour workweek. According to governor's director of communications Troy Torres, it's actions taken like this that need to be recognized. "Whenever you do spending cuts, it's unfortunate. There's no pretty way around it 1012 but the leaders at the judiciary should be applauded for making tough decisions, necessary decisions so they can right their fiscal ship," he said.
Torres, however, adds that every bit of money not spent is money that can go toward the payment of tax refunds and the government's outstanding bills. But could the rest of GovGuam see similar actions? The Administration has stated that a reduced workweek is not on the table, but other austerity measures have been taken such as attrition and certain cabinet members taking a salary cut. However at a certain point that's simply not enough.
Governor Eddie Calvo says the solution would be to move forward with his Omnibus Fiscal Reform Act, otherwise known as his spending cuts bill. "Again, this is a proposal that we have; this administration has brought forward in dealing with our deficit and righting the financial house in order for the government."
However, the measure has yet to be move to be heard on session floor and expires by the end of this legislature's term...soon. "It's important that we deal with it so we can strengthen and fortify the government so we can provide these critical services to the people," he said.
Vice Speaker B.J. Cruz introduced the bill on behalf of the governor, saying he's shooting for the December session. He said, "I think there will be some action on it. I don't know how much of the bill will actually survive the floor but I want it to go to the floor at least so we'll see. It should make it on the next session agenda."
Governor Calvo meanwhile notes he's aware of the concerns over provisions in the bill such as an early retirement incentive program. He encourages necessary amendments be made on session floor but in doing so replace it with others areas for savings. "It's important we act on it and the longer we do not it just pushes and we're kicking the can for our future," he said.
The Administration notes that passing the spending cuts bill may be challenging but necessary or otherwise other administrative remedies could be taken that are far more drastic then what is proposed. Lawmakers meanwhile go into session on December 10.