Bill Overview
Title: Native Pacific Islanders of America Equity Act
Description: This bill establishes a CHamoru Registry program. It also allows eligible Native CHamoru organizations and Native Northern Marianas organizations to qualify for federal contracting opportunities through their participation in certain small business programs that are administered by the Small Business Administration. First, the bill establishes a CHamoru Registry program under the Office of the Governor of Guam. The program must keep a database to serve as a genealogy bank to verify Native CHamoru ancestry requirements. Next, it treats businesses owned by economically disadvantaged Native CHamoru organizations or Native Northern Marianas organizations as socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses for purposes of the Minority Small Business and Capital Ownership Development program, which is commonly known as the 8(a) program. Further, it allows businesses that are owned by Native CHamoru organizations or Native Northern Marianas organizations to participate in the Historically Underutilized Business Zone Empowerment Contracting (HUBZone) program. The 8(a) program and the HUBZone program each limit competition for certain government contracts to participating small businesses.
Sponsors: Del. San Nicolas, Michael F. Q. [D-GU-At Large]
Target Audience
Population: Native Pacific Islanders, specifically Native CHamoru and Native Northern Marianas
Estimated Size: 150000
- The bill targets Native Pacific Islanders, specifically those of CHamoru and Native Northern Marianas descent, living in the United States, including territories.
- It aims to provide these groups with better access to small business resources by classifying them as socially and economically disadvantaged under the SBA programs.
- CHamoru people are originally from the Mariana Islands, notably Guam; thus, the population impacted would include people living both in Guam and in other parts of the U.S.
- The bill is focused on business and economic development opportunities, likely impacting those involved in the small business sector.
Reasoning
- The budget considerations restrict the full-scale implementation of this policy across the entire Pacific Islander population in the U.S., necessitating a focus on targeted regions or groups most likely to benefit, particularly those involved in small businesses.
- The potential impact of the policy varies according to individual circumstances such as whether a person is currently engaged in a business or interested in entrepreneurship.
- Individuals living in or operating businesses in Guam or the Northern Marianas might see substantial benefits from registry and eligibility for 8(a) and HUBZone programs.
- Urban Pacific Islanders in the mainland U.S. may see limited direct benefits unless they are pursuing business opportunities that fit the policy requirements.
- The policy assumes that economic empowerment through small business programs will improve overall wellbeing, but this depends on the individual's business success and the policy's implementation effectiveness.
Simulated Interviews
Small Business Owner (Guam)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy finally recognizes the unique challenges faced by our community.
- I'm hopeful this will open more opportunities for my business to grow.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Freelance Graphic Designer (Northern Marianas)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm eager to see how this policy can help someone like me start a business without too many hurdles.
- Access to more resources means more confidence to pursue my dreams.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Retired (California)
Age: 66 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While this policy doesn't directly affect me, it's great to see support for our youth trying to build something meaningful.
- I hope this encourages more of our traditions and heritage to thrive through new businesses.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Corporate Lawyer (New York)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy sounds promising for small-business owners, though it won't impact my current career path.
- I'm interested in how this might help CHamoru culture find new footholds in the business world.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Tour Guide Operator (Hawaii)
Age: 35 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This seems like the push needed to bring more cultural tourism and authentic experiences to our islands.
- Access to more government contracts can open so many doors.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Nonprofit Manager (Texas)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policies like this can lay the groundwork for equity among Pacific Islanders.
- I'm hopeful for the visibility and opportunities this brings to those underserved communities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Construction Worker (Guam)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy might be my chance to get the capital I need to start my own business.
- It's a long-awaited step in the right direction for our people.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Healthcare Worker (Florida)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Even though it won't change my life immediately, I see the potential benefits for my husband's family in Guam.
- I hope this brings sustainable growth to our communities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
IT Technician (Saipan)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm curious if I can leverage this policy to expand my tech business into government contracts.
- Every bit of support can make a difference in this industry.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Student (Oregon)
Age: 26 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy gives hope to students like me who want to return home and start something meaningful.
- It's comforting to see the support for our community grow.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $7500000 (Low: $5000000, High: $10000000)
Year 2: $7500000 (Low: $5000000, High: $10000000)
Year 3: $7750000 (Low: $5200000, High: $10200000)
Year 5: $8000000 (Low: $5400000, High: $10500000)
Year 10: $8500000 (Low: $5700000, High: $11000000)
Year 100: $12000000 (Low: $8000000, High: $15000000)
Key Considerations
- The size of the affected population is relatively small compared to other minority small business program beneficiaries, which may limit economic scale.
- If the CHamoru Registry program is efficiently implemented, it could serve as a model for other Indigenous and minority registries.
- Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are important to ensure the intended benefits reach the target populations efficiently.