WASHINGTON, D.C. – The same day President Donald Trump took office, he signed an executive order directing federal departments and agencies to investigate lowering costs for Americans. Guam’s congressional Delegate is asking the President to make sure the US territories are included in this order.
Across America, the cost of fuel, housing and groceries does not come cheap. Economists said there are several factors for the high cost-of-living prices, including supply chains, corporate profiteering and inflation.
On Monday, President Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies and departments to look into lowering the cost-of-living. The executive order blames the former administration for the high cost of living.
Guam’s congressional Delegate, Jim Moylan (R- GUAM), sent a letter to the President, asking for Guam and the other US territories to be included in this executive order.
“We just have to ensure the territories are remembered,” said Del. Moylan. “Our prices in Guam are extremely affected by our distance. Everything is flown in or shipped in, and it just adds to the cost. We don’t have a sales tax, we have a business privilege tax which is included in the price of goods. So, bread is more expensive, eggs are much more expensive and milk as well. Many of our military families coming to Guam as a transfer with the Marines, the additional build up we’re having on Guam, are experiencing that burden the local residents are feeling, too.”
Moylan suggests granting cabotage waivers or waiving the Jones Act for Guam and other US territories, as a way to help lower costs on the island.
“The tropics is wonderful but we pay the price to live there,” said Del. Moylan. “So, I’m hoping President Trump is looking at this to bring down the cost of goods, increase the spending power for Americans- we also look at that.”
