Lawmakers continue their debate on how to spend Guam’s $1.3 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2026 during session today.

Their challenge? 

Finding a balance between meeting immediate needs and investing in the island’s long-term future, in ways that truly reflect what matters most to our communities.

Public safety, healthcare, and education are top the list of concerns for both senators and constituents. 

But opinions differ on how best to address these challenges.

For Geoffrey Aguon, public safety cannot wait and senators must focus a portion of the budget on securing our ports to stop the flow of drugs entering our community.

“I think they should prioritize the ports and the incoming drugs. It’s an epidemic that’s really killing our families,” said Aguon. 

The state of Guam's healthcare, particularly the Guam Memorial Hospital, is another top concern for residents like Mary.

She says funds must be put towards building a new public hospital under FY 2026’s budget.

“We need a new hospital. I went to Guam Memorial Hospital just last month. I put on my mask, but with my mask I could still smell the mold! It’s really bad there,” said Mary. “I told my husband, ‘Do not take me to Guam Memorial Hospital’.”

And with the possibility of Simon Sanchez High School’s reconstruction being passed over yet again, Mary is also concerned that students’ voices are being ignored under this budget.

“They’re forgetting about the schools. The kids at Simon Sanchez High School want to go back to their school. They’re tired of the second session. I have no children going there, but I can hear them. I see their pain,” added Mary. “Listen to the kids.” 

Returning Guam resident and Simon Sanchez alumni, Jessica Mesa, agrees. 

“I graduated from Sanchez in 2001 and unfortunately the school is out of commission, sharing a campus with JFK, they have reduced hours. I think that [senators] should focus on education right now,” said Mesa. 

Mesa believes that giving students a safe, dedicated learning environment is essential for preparing them to lead and contribute to the community in the future. 

With workforce development and efforts to retain residents in mind, she says senators must prioritize education. 

After all, schools build the workforce, and a strong workforce drives Guam's economy.

“So, especially if we are considering our bigger issue, which is bringing people into the workforce, right? We’re prepping these children to join the workforce eventually. If we aren’t even giving them enough education hours to get to that point, graduate, and come out into our working system then we’re doing a disservice to our people,” added Mesa. 

But before the real work can begin, residents like Mary believe a balance needs to be struck between senators.

“The senators need to open their minds and listen to the people because the people are the reason why they’re there,” said Mary. “I didn’t vote for ego. I voted for somebody who’s going to stand up for the people.”

From securing ports and improving healthcare to strengthening education, constituents want senators to listen and act the decisions made in the FY 2026 budget won’t just affect today, they’ll shape Guam's future for generations to come.