Senators propose 'Emergency Pandemic Fund'

A bipartisan bill to provide up to a million dollars in emergency funding for the governor to use to address the coronavirus outbreak was introduced by senators today.

The measure, sponsored by Speaker Tina Barnes, Sens. Jim Moylan, and Amanda Shelton and co-sponsored by six others, would create an "Emergency Pandemic Fund."

The money would come from the government's rainy day fund and could be used to purchase screening equipment, medical supplies, leasing of quarantine facilities, hiring of medical and emergency personnel, and activation of the Guam Army National Guard.
According to a news release, once the Trump Administration and Congress approve an emergency spending measure, GovGuam can be reimbursed to the extent that federal laws permit.