Senators spent much of today in public hearings on a series of bills that would provide extra pay to government workers responding to the COVID crisis.  All of the bills seek to compensate essential Government of Guam employees who were required to work while others were paid who stayed home.

The first bill heard was by Vice Speaker Telena Nelson, who said, "They went out there willingly to care for us, to care for the people of Guam, to provide medical attention, to respond to ailments and illnesses risking their exposure and also the possible contraction to their family members."

The other measures heard today offered the same rationale, with variations on the amount and type of compensation. But representing the Women's Chamber of Commerce was chairperson Holly Rustick, who said for every government worker called to duty, there were also private sector nurses, store clerks, food service workers, and more on the frontlines.

"None of these people who have clearly risked their lives and their health and that of their family in order to provide our people with much needed care, sustenance and services will be receiving double-pay," she stated. She also raised the issue of affordability, saying the bills will pose severe financial implications for GovGuam, even as senators themselves were questioning how much or even if the extra compensation can be covered by federal emergency funds.

"What good is giving government employees double-time for a month of hours worked if the result may very well be that those same employees will have to be furloughed for one or two days a week if the legislation causes the government to run out of money," she said.

The other bills, by Speaker Tina Barnes and Senator Joe San Agustin, having undergone public hearings, can be moved on the floor for consideration at the next legislative session.