Guam government finds extra $20 million

HAGATNA, Guam (AP) Guam's government received $20 million more than it expected during the most recent fiscal year, but few people knew about it because computer systems at territorial agencies aren't connected.

The Pacific Daily News (http://bit.ly/1df8vRf ) reports about three-quarters of the extra money came from federal sources. It wasn't clear where the rest came from. Calls to the Bureau of Budget and Management Research weren't immediately returned Tuesday.

Most of the money was used to pay tax refunds.

Several Democratic senators are concerned that the administration didn't let them know about the money while the Legislature was discussing the budget.

"It's unforgivable because we went through the entire budget without this information," said Vice Speaker Benjamin Cruz.

Cruz, a Democrat representing Piti, said knowing the local government had $20 million more than what was anticipated would have allowed senators to discuss the best use of that money.

Some said they could have used the money to pay for health care, education and other priorities.

Last week, Cruz held an oversight hearing to discuss the government's struggle with information technology.

He expressed concern that the Bureau of Budget and Management Research didn't submit consolidated revenue and expenditures reports, which are mandated by law.

Officials explained they failed to send the reports because of problems integrating systems belonging to the Department of Administration and the Department of Revenue and Taxation.

John Rios, the budget management bureau's director, wrote lawmakers in a letter that the agencies are trying to fix the problem so they may submit the reports on time.

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Information from: Pacific Daily News: http://www.guampdn.com