The largest agency receiving government funding met Senators for a budget hearing. GDOE officials urging Senators to appropriate $334 million for FY 2019. A 3.3% increase from the request in FY 18.

Superintendent Jon Fernandez telling Senators they are aware of a possible repeal of the sales tax, urging leaders to prioritize a dedicated funding source for public education and consider alternative revenues to fix school facilities, like Simon Sanchez.

"There doesn't seem to be any funding available to kickstart the Simon Sanchez rebuilding operation funding for Simon Sanchez high school was supposed to come from available TEFF (Territorial Education Facilities Funds ) revenues, when procurement transferred to DOE, we went to BBMR and were told all TEFF funds were being used for other purposes," he said.

Senators also questioned DOE on the $12 million cuts made in light of the Fiscal realignment plan. DOE officials still unsure if any more cuts, including delaying next school year, will be made.