Lou Leon Guerrero (D) has been the governor of Guam since January 2019. Before assuming office, she worked in the healthcare industry as a nurse. Her time in the industry has led her to be an advocate for healthcare through her actions as senator and governor, such as signing legislation that tackles smoking in Guam. This is an overview of Lou Leon Guerrero’s background, accomplishments, and influence. It will also examine the relationship between Leon Guerrero’s beliefs and her actions as governor.
Early life
Leon Guerrero was born on November 8, 1950, in Guam. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from California State University. She later obtained a Master of Public Health degree from the University of California at Los Angeles. After graduating, Leon Guerrero worked as a hospital nurse in Guam and California. Then, she served in management positions at the Guam Memorial Hospital and Family Health Plan Inc., including one as a member of the Guam Memorial Hospital Authority Board of Trustees in Guam.
Political career
After performing in the healthcare industry, Leon Guerrero started her political career in the Guam Legislature. She was elected for her first term as senator in 1994. Leon Guerrero held positions as majority leader and chair of the Committee on Rules and the Committee on Health. She ended her fifth term in 2005 and took on the role of CEO and president of the Bank of Guam. Afterwards, Leon Guerrero stepped into office as governor of Guam in January 2019.
Lou Leon Guerrero proclaiming December 18, 2021, as Wreaths Across America Day.
Ideology
Even on a heavily catholic island, Lou Leon Guerrero’s ideology aligns with the Democratic Party on a national level. She was a pro-choice activist in the early 1990s and continues to advocate for abortion rights. For example, on July 17, 2024, Leon Guerrero joined 21 other governors in filing an amicus brief (a legal document submitted to the court by someone who is not a party to a specific case, but wishes to offer information) with the US Supreme Court in support of abortion rights in the court case Food and Drug Administration, et al. v. Alliance for Hippocratic medicine. In addition, she has taken action to raise the minimum wage and legalize cannabis.
Investing in our employees to compete with the private sector and retaining skilled workers is the right thing to do.
— Governor Lou Leon Guerrero (@louleonguerrero) March 16, 2023
Major accomplishments
Leon Guerrero’s election as governor was monumental, making her the first female governor of Guam.
As a healthcare professional, Leon Guerrero’s background shows through her actions as governor. She has signed legislation involving smoking regulations. On November 12, 2019, Guerrero approved legislation banning the use of electronic cigarettes in indoor places.
Soon after, Leon Guerrero was faced with a challenge when COVID-19 hit the island of Guam. However, she was quick to act, pioneering an unemployment program for Guam. This program provided $808 million to more than 30,000 displaced workers. In addition, she provided over $100 million to 2,500 businesses in Guam. Her actions resulted in Guam having one of the highest vaccination rates in the nation.
In regard to the economy, Leon Guerrero eliminated an $83 million General Fund deficit within two and a half years of taking office. She also signed a law in 2019 raising Guam’s minimum wage and extending the Guam apprenticeship program. This helped approximately 3,500 Guamanians achieve economic stability.
Future prospects
Guam has seen a transformation during Leon Guerrero’s term as governor. Leon Guerrero hopes to continue to improve Guam in aspects “not just environmental but also economic.” Now term-limited, in an interview with One World Media, Leon Guerrero shared future improvements she wants to make in her last term as governor. Specifically, Leon Guerrero lists sustainability goals including “making Guam carbon neutral by 2045” and to “reduce reliance on imported goods and foster food sustainability through aquaculture and agriculture.” Additionally, she mentioned partnering with investors in Silicon Valley for technological development.
Leon Guerrero has spent most of her life serving the public, whether that be as a nurse, senator, or governor. The effect her experience as a nurse has on her actions and policies as governor can be seen through her support and passion for abortion rights, smoking regulations, etc. In addition, she has shaped Guam’s economy and hopes to continue to improve Guam economically and environmentally.
Amber Jiao is a student at Poolesville High School in Poolesville, Maryland. She is passionate about public policy and social justice. In her free time, Amber enjoys rock climbing, visiting art museums, and exploring the city with her friends. At Pasquines, she is a Political Affairs Intern Correspondent.
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