$300 gas vouchers and lower gas taxes proposed

Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero will be using federal pandemic funds to issue gas vouchers to drivers. And Speaker Therese Terlaje introduced bills to get rid of the tax on gas and significantly lower fuel costs.

The governor announced the effort – an expansion of her Prugraman Salappe – in a video message she and Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio released Tuesday.

“This extended direct aid cash assistance program will begin accepting applications on Tuesday, March 15, and will provide $100 monthly for each qualifying household for a period of three consecutive months for a total of $300,” Mr. Tenorio said. “Our aim is to alleviate the financial strain from the rising cost of gas. The Department of Administration will administer this program and implement eligibility requirements based on household income and size, so we can ensure we help those most in need.”

The American Rescue Plan Act funds – secured by Congressman Michael San Nicolas for Guam – will be used for this program and do not require legislative approval. However, taxes, a significant factor of gas prices, do require the legislature’s consent for change.

To that end, Ms. Terlaje today introduced two bills to cut the cost of gas by cutting the taxes associated with them.

The first, Bill 260-36, will repeal a 2017 republican law that increased the liquid fuel tax by four cents a gallon. The second measure, Bill 261-36, will repeal the liquid fuel tax altogether.

“As policymakers, we must continue to find ways to mitigate rising prices for the people of Guam from our gas pumps to our grocery stores,” Ms. Terlaje. “While it is a challenge to continue to provide critical services while inflation is at a peak, we can be fiscally responsible while balancing the needs of taxpayers and residents and keeping the cost of government at a sustainable level.”

“While the cost of gas is beyond our island’s control, we can control our response and our ability to rise up and meet our challenges with compassion,” Ms. Leon Guerrero said. “As our people head back to work, whether in our grocery stores or hospitals, our restaurants or schools – there is hope that the extension of Prugråman Salåppe’ will provide you some relief. We will always be here, as we have been before, to support you, your family and all of Guam.”