By Mar-Vic Cagurangan
Variety News Staff

SENATOR Jesse A. Lujan, R-Tamuning, yesterday introduced a bill that would set a ceiling on the amount of stipend received by members of the Consolidated Commission on Utilities to match the same rate being received by elected members of other boards and commissions.
CCU members currently receive $800 each per month. Bill 93 would cap the rate to $50 per meeting, the rate being received by members of the Guam Education Policy Board and the Civil Service Commission.
“Members of CSC and the education board meet twice a month and therefore get $100 a month. Why should CCU members get a different rate?” Lujan asked.
“With the economic crisis as it is, we can’t afford to fix school air conditioners, or come current on retirement contributions so senior employees can retire,” Lujan said.
He said it’s not fair that CCU members make quick money when government retirees and survivors struggle to get their checks amid the increasing utility rates. “We can’t afford these prima-donnas,” Lujan said.