A bill aimed at closing a more than $4 million shortfall in the University of Guam’s budget is being fast-tracked through Guam’s lame-duck 37th Legislature.

Bill 372-37 was introduced last week by Sen. Amanda Shelton and was the subject of a public hearing Friday led by Appropriations Chairman Sen. Joe S. San Agustin, who celebrated his birthday that day and who also just returned from off-island.

Shelton introduced the measure on Oct. 29, the same day a group of UOG students appeared on the steps of the Guam Congress building to protest the defunding.

The measure would affect $4,000,000 in revenue collections for fiscal year 2025 above enacted levels, and $195,822 in revenue collections above enacted revenues in the supplemental budget bill signed into law this week by Governor Lou Leon Guerrero.

The funding would be used for critical repairs, maintenance and capital improvements at UOG, the bill states.

“Students are concerned that there is a legitimate and growing concern that if this funding is not restored, UOG may be forced to increase tuition fees by 10% and this increase would increase the cost of education, which would place an even greater burden on students and families,” Shelton said.

Keana Ardiente, vice president of UOG’s student government, testified at the hearing that students “deserve to focus on their studies, not wondering if the ceiling is going to collapse or if the air conditioning is working in their classrooms.”

“UOG’s budget shortfall means students’ educational experiences will be directly impacted as the university seeks to reduce academic offerings, reduce student support services and potentially increase tuition and fees. fees, all to keep basic operations afloat,” another student said. , Nicole Guerrero.

Bill 372-37 would restore a $4 million appropriation that was removed in the final version of the supplemental budget bill passed by senators on October 24.

The funding was included in an initial version of the supplemental budget but was removed from a replacement version of the bill that senators ultimately voted on.

UOG received about $10.7 million less than it requested in fiscal year 2025, and its administration is expected to postpone maintenance and capital improvement plans to maintain operations.

San Agustin said he was surprised the funding was removed, “everything in the supplement could be covered…we’re at a point where if it’s not considered by December, I can promise you something, This will be the first bill I will introduce.” next quarter in January.”

“I will not be part of the majority but I will present it, then you will be able to see what the commitment was of the people who won,” he added.

San Agustin is one of six Democrats who won re-election on November 5, but they will become a minority in the upcoming 38th Guam Legislature as Republicans won 9 seats to regain the legislative majority after 16 years.