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April 19, 2006, Bob and Senators Mike Cruz, Adolpho Palacios, Larry
Kasperbauer and B.J. Cruz, introduced the “People’s
Legislative Reform Act of 2006.” The act would return the
Guam Legislature to being the part-time, citizens’ legislature
that it was when initially created in 1950 by the Organic Act of
Guam.
The purpose of the legislation is clear: the position of senator
ought to be a public office, not public employment; and the people
are best served by a legislature, the members of which come from
all walks of life, where every man or woman may easily aspire to
service in their legislature.
“We should always be moving the government closer to the
people,” says Bob. “The People’s Legislative Reform
Act of 2006 does just that.”
Per the Organic Act, a senator in the Guam Legislature has only
three responsibilities:
1.) write and vote on legislation,
2.) write and vote on the government of Guam’s budget, and
3.) confirm executive nominations from the governor.
“I’ve said it many times since being first elected
as a senator … we should pass laws, write the budget, confirm
nominations from the governor, and then go home,” says Bob.
Sen. Mike Cruz says: “The time management required by a part
time legislature will not only save time, but public money. A part
time legislature will encourage people from all walks of life to
run.”
Sen. Adolpho Palacios says “The bill provides adequate time
and resources to conduct the public’s business. A part time
legislature will not diminish our ability to address the business
of the people of Guam.”
Sen. Larry Kasperbauer says: “A part time legislature will
open up candidacy to a broader cross section of our population.”
Sen. B.J. Cruz says: The function of the legislature is to legislate,
not be involved with the day-to-day operations of government. Legislation
is best accomplished when legislative sessions occur on a regular
scheduled basis.”
Highlights of the People’s Legislative
Reform Act of 2006:
- Now: Full time, 365 days per year
- Bill 290: Two
30 day sessions (60 days per year total)
- Now: $55,000 salary per senator
- Bill 290: $50
per session day
- Bill 290: Ends
state funerals for senators; ends a senator’s ability to
perform marriage ceremonies; discontinues special license plates
for senators; and amends travel allowances.
- Bill 290: Creates
the “Legislative Research and Service Bureau” of classified
staff to research and draft legislation and budgets
- Bill 290: The
total budget of the I Liheslaturan Guahan shall at no time exceed
1% of the Government of Guam revenue projections set for the same
fiscal year, as enacted into law in the Government of Guam Budget
Act for that fiscal year.
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