by Sabrina Salas Matanane

Guam - Sen. Michael San Nicolas has introduced legislation that would rescind raises and retroactive pay for elected officials and cabinet members. Last month then acting Governor Ray Tenorio called Senators into a special session to act on Bill 1-8(S). Within hours lawmakers by majority vote passed the legislation. Sen. Michael Limtiaco voted against the bill, while Senators Tom Ada, San Nicolas and Dennis Rodriguez, Jr. were not present. The acting Governor then signed the bill into law.

Sen. San Nicolas has been against raises for elected leaders as well as political appointees since they were first proposed in the Hay Pay Plan in January.

"If it was not responsible to pass this before an election, it's not responsible to pass it after an election," said Senator San Nicolas. "I was against this pay increase when it was first proposed in January and my position remains consistent."

The democrat senator has written to acting Speaker BJ Cruz requesting the public hearing on his bill be waived and a special session be called to consider Bill 435 before the term ends. “If they can pass a pay increase without a public hearing, surely it is only fair that its repeal be afforded the same level of expeditious consideration," said Senator San Nicolas.

"The people have spoken on this bill and they have spoken loud and clear. These raises must be rescinded. It is fundamentally unfair to be able to vote yourself a pay increase. You have to ask your boss for that. My bosses are the people of Guam," said Senator San Nicolas.