by Ken Quintanilla

Guam - Lawmakers hit the voting file this afternoon passing over a dozen bills and resolutions. Among the measures passed include Bill 272 otherwise known as The Vulnerable Victims Act of 2014, Bill 286 establishing Guam history and Chamorro Heritage Day as a GovGuam holiday, and Bill 207 approving the terms and conditions of the Guam Power Authority's revenue bonds. Bill 283 meanwhile adopting the update of the Port's Master Plan was passed by lawmakers straight down party lines with all six Republicans voting against the measure. Resolution 358 seeking a declaratory judgment with the Supreme Court as to the Legislature's ability through a duly passed law to direct the GEC to place a measure on the ballot was passed unanimously. And while it was only added on session agenda last week and waived of its public hearing requirements yesterday, Bill 315 appropriating close to $300,000 to Sanctuary Inc. was also passed unanimously. Executive director Millie Lujan and Sanctuary employees were at the Legislature showing their support.

"So we're very happy and pleased because this will allow us to continue our programs without any reduction in services for the adolescents that come to us," she said.

The bill would allow Sanctuary to sustain its emergency youth shelter as well as the Youth Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Program to the end of the fiscal year. And while Governor Eddie Calvo warned he would veto bills making appropriations that don't outline the impact how the appropriations would have against other GovGuam finances, Lujan hopes for his consideration.