by Ken Quintanilla

Guam - Governor Eddie Calvo proclaimed August as Working Parents Month. And not only did he stress all the services and programs available to help those reach their full potential but announced the payment of more tax refunds to help along the way.

Today wasn't your normal proclamation signing. "I must say this proclamation did not come from any non-governmental organization or any entity or department agency, it was something that ray and I felt was so important to bring out," said Calvo.

The governor says the future of every child is built on a foundation of family. And while many moms and dads struggle daily, he says some never let their children know of their sacrifices whether it's economic hardship or putting personal goals aside. "What we would like to see occur in the month of August is to highlight the many services provided governmentally, non-governmental organization, to individuals in different areas in the community make it known to the public what is available to them," he said.

Many of these service providers were on hand from the Department of Education. "We provide a parent Family Unity Outreach Program which also has social services associated to steer families and parents in the right direction if they need assistance for whatever that assistance might be," he explained.

To Public Health's Welfare Division, as he said, "Again we focus, we help them in becoming self-sufficient meaning looking at the what the industry is offering, looking at what the demands are because it's no longer a job seekers markets, it's an employers market, so we have to meet that demand."

And as a way to spotlight the programs and services to help working parents, the governor will host the first annual families fair on August 11 at the Micronesia Mall where government agencies, non-profits, and island businesses will be on hand to share what programs they can offer. For example, you can get your business license or Guam ID from Rev & Tax that day or even get a police clearance to help when applying for a job.

In the meantime, Calvo announced another way to assist working families, is to ensure they get their tax refunds, just in time to purchase new uniforms and supplies for the start of school. "So tomorrow we'll be sending out another $12 million in tax refunds checks that will go to about 5,000 hard working families," he said.

He says the checks are being cut today for all Status-A error free returns filed up to March 24. This payout will bring the total of tax refunds paid this fiscal year to more than $100 million the first time in Guam's history this amount was paid in a fiscal year without the use of a bond or other financing.