HAGÅTÑA (The Guam Daily Post) — A bill that will help the University of Guam recover from the effects of Typhoon Mawar was unanimously passed in the Guam Youth Congress and is now headed to the 37th Guam Legislature.
Bill 8-34, as introduced in the Youth Congress, would appropriate $1 million from the Rainy Day Fund to UOG for differed maintenance projects and typhoon-related repairs.
“We have passed a bill that has the power to change the future of our island’s only university. Bill No. 8-34 (COR) is more than just a financial allocation, it is an investment in our students’ education by ensuring that they are in facilities that are safe and conducive for higher learning,” Rep. Austin Fortuno said in a release on Saturday.
The university has nearly $9 million in deferred maintenance racked up over the last five years, a result of decreased local appropriations, according to the Youth Congress.
“The University of Guam had requested $1 million as part of its $42 million request for fiscal year 2024 to support capital outlay, repairs and maintenance of its facilities. However, only $31.1 million in general operations funding was provided to support the institution, $10.9 million short of its request,” the release said.
According to Fortuno, the consequences of the underfunded university are visible.
“Leaks, air conditioning malfunctions and elevator failures have become commonplace. It is our duty to provide a conducive learning environment for our students, and this bill is a step in that direction,” he said.
The recent typhoon only exacerbated the situation.
“Causing severe damage to the university’s infrastructure, roof leakages and air conditioning problems have affected multiple buildings, including the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Library and the Calvo Field House,” the release said.
If passed, Bill 8-34 would require the university’s president to submit regular reports on how the funds are expended to the Legislature.
“The bill has been transmitted to the Committee on the Advancement of Youth, chaired by the Hon. Amanda L. Shelton, legislative secretary of the 37th Guam Legislature, for consideration and further action,” the release concludes.
Rep. Austin Fortuno, left, holds a copy of Bill 8-34 with Rep. Julie Ann L. Laxamana, right, after the Guam Youth Congress session held on Saturday, September 30, 2023.
