LAWMAKERS ADVANCED THREE BILLS AND HELD ONE IN COMMITTEE

 Finance, chaired by Senator Novelle E. Francis Jr., convened in the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room to consider several measures impacting government operations, public assets, and long-term fiscal stability. Ultimately, senators voted to advance three of the four bills on the agenda, with approved measures moving forward to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary for further consideration.

Senator Francis stated that the Committee advanced legislation aimed at reinforcing fiscal responsibility, strengthening critical public systems, and ensuring targeted investments in people, infrastructure, and long-term economic stability. He further noted that the measures reflect a deliberate and forward-looking approach to governance, focused on meeting the needs of residents while addressing the Territory’s structural financial challenges.

Following deliberations and testimony from key stakeholders, lawmakers acted on each item before the Committee.

Senators voted to hold in committee, at the call of the chair, Bill No. 36-0122, sponsored by Senator Alma Francis Heyliger. The measure proposes amendments to Title 3 of the Virgin Islands Code to require the Government Employees’ Retirement System of the Virgin Islands to discontinue disability retirement annuity payments to any member who resumes employment. Senator Heyliger noted that the legislation is intended as a protective measure and suggested that a tiered approach to disability retirement may also be considered.

Testimony presented by GERS Administrator and CEO Angel E. Dawson Jr. indicated that the System does not oppose the measure. Dawson explained that current law allows for the reduction of disability benefits when combined earnings exceed pre-retirement compensation; however, the proposed amendment would require full discontinuation of payments upon reemployment. The approach is consistent with the principle that disability annuities are intended for individuals deemed totally and permanently disabled.

Lawmakers advanced Bill No. 36-0238, sponsored by Senator Avery L. Lewis, which seeks to redirect net proceeds from hotel development projects financed under Title 29 to GERS. Testimony described the proposal as a positive step toward addressing the System’s more than $3.4 billion unfunded actuarial liability.

However, testimony indicated that under the current language, the System would only realize financial benefit if a hotel development project were sold prior to the final maturity of its bonds, and only after repayment of all associated costs. It was further noted that to ensure the System receives value under all scenarios, the legislation could be amended to allow ownership interest in such projects to be transferred directly to GERS upon bond repayment, rather than solely upon sale.

Also approved was Bill No. 36-0257, sponsored by Senator Lewis, which authorizes the transfer of the eastern portion of Parcel No. 2C Estate Ross, St. Thomas, from the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority to the Virgin Islands Department of Education for use by Charlotte Amalie High School. Collectively, lawmakers were in favor of the transfer citing that the students deserve a place to practice sports and have competitions.

Lastly, the Committee voted in the affirmative on Bill No. 36-0275, sponsored by Senator Milton E. Potter by request of the Governor. The measure approves an amended lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands and Hearts in Service Association, Inc., for the use of Parcel No. 175C Estate Anna’s Retreat, St. Thomas. The site will support programs and services for homeless families, individuals, veterans, and at-risk youth, including the operation of a soup kitchen.

Senators Novelle Francis, Jr., Marvin Blyden, Ray Fonseca, Marise C. James, Kurt Vialet, Dwayne DeGraff, Alma Francis Heyliger, Clifford A. Joseph Sr., Milton E. Potter, and Avery L. Lewis were present.

The Division of Public Affairs is committed to providing the community with accurate information on legislative proceedings and other events at the Legislature of the Virgin Islands. Visit www.legvi.org.

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