Now to an historic day in Hagatna. 

The 15 elected to sit in the 38th Guam Legislature are officially ready to work. 

It's Inauguration Day at the Guam Congress building. The republican majority who officially took over as senators, which include some new faces, begin the duties the People of Guam elected them to do. 

Nine republicans and six democrats take the oath. The 38th Guam Legislature is now in session.

“The first session of the 38th Guam Legislature is adjourned subject to the call of the speaker,” said Spkr. Frank Blas Jr. 

Blas is set to take the helm after nearly two decades since there was a republican majority in the legislature. 

“My priority for the first 90 days is to push forward things that can help the cost of living for the people of Guam. Things like the power credits and, essentially, potentially increasing the minimum wage,” said Sen. Will Parkinson. 

“We’re working on a bill to discuss the management of the hospital, to do a public-private partnership,” said Sen. Therese Terlaje. 

“Square away the issues with the hospital and health issues and pursue the vape bill,” added Sen. Joe San Agustin. 

“Well, definitely meet with all the agencies, departments, and areas in which I cover as the committee chair. So, I’m pretty heavily stacked,” said Sen. Telo Taitague. 

“So, an economic free trade zone is something that I really want to be working with my colleagues to accomplish,” Sen. Jesse Lujan. 

“Making sure all of our schools, especially our schools in the south, are able to get the refurbishments and repairs that are necessary,” added Sen. Chris Barnett. 

“As the committee chair on public safety, [my priority is] to truly understand the state of what is happening on our island,” said Sen. Shawn Gumataotao. 

“We want to see what we can do to solve that issue with the CHamoru Land Trust and the [Guam Motorsports] Association. We need to get something down so that we can get these people into safe environments,” said Vice Spkr. Tony Ada. 

“So, we’re going to take care of our children, our manåmko', or women, and basically, our whole population here on Guam,” said Sen. Shelly Calvo. 

“The first priority is to assess the current economic situation to ensure that we see tourism is really making a big push. We need them to come back and come back strong,” said Sen. Chris Duenas. 

“From day one, my priority is to work hard for the people of Guam. As you know, my oversight is healthcare and veteran affairs,” said Sen. Sabrina Salas Matanane. 

The ceremony was witnessed by other Governments of Guam and military leaders like Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. 

“I think what you saw here is a very strong indication of a willingness to work together,” said Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero. “It’s actually refreshing.”

Ultimately, Spkr. Blas is focused on regaining the public's trust.

“We must make our island more affordable with everything from housing to health care. We must work to ensure everyone has opportunity,” said Blas.  “This is our opportunity to work together to provide these opportunities.”

Only time will tell if that priority and the work of the 38th will lead to some positive changes and growth that addresses the divide the administration had with the previous legislature.

 

 

 Moylan's statement on the 38th Legislature