ST. CROIX, VI – The Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance, chaired by Senator Novelle E. Francis Jr., convened in a meeting at the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room. Lawmakers received testimony for the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget from the Public Television System (WTJX) and the Office of the Territorial Public Defender (OTPD). 

During the FY 2026 budget hearing, WTJX CEO Tanya-Marie Singh highlighted escalating financial threats to public media, particularly the potential loss of 18% of the Virgin Islands Public Broadcasting System’s funding if the federal Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) is defunded under H.R. 4, the “Rescissions Act of 2025.” In response, WTJX has enacted a hiring freeze. Despite funding uncertainties, progress continues on hurricane recovery projects including repairs to the Mountain Top building and plans for rebuilding smaller facilities. WTJX remains active in producing and airing culturally significant and educational content, such as local pageants, Carnival events, and documentaries. 

However, due to the lack of financial support from the Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, the station ceased coverage of the St. John Parade. Policymakers expressed disapproval over the absence of funding, which resulted in the discontinuation of broadcasts of local parades. Senate President Milton E. Potter expressed disappointment and recommended that WTJX pursue an interagency collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Executive Branch, noting that coverage of these events is a valued community staple. The station, which has served the territory for 54 years, will be further considered in discussions on how to integrate WTJX into the broadcasting of all future parades.

Separately, the FY 2026 Budget request is $4,451,902. The budget breakdown is as follows: $2,746,175 for personnel services, $1,197,685 for fringe benefits, $157,500 for supplies, $328,855 for other services and charges, and $1,687 for utility services. Singh emphasized the importance of continued public and legislative support to sustain WTJX’s vital role in the Virgin Islands community. Reassuringly, Senator Francis stated that the Senate will continue lobbying efforts to ensure WTJX remains the voice of the community. 

Julie Smith Todman, Chief Territorial Public Defender, testified that the Office of the Territorial Public Defender’s (OTPD) greatest asset remains its dedicated team of 38 employees who serve the people of the Virgin Islands by providing legal defense to indigent clients. With 672 pending cases in St. Croix and 392 in St. Thomas/St. John, the OTPD continues to operate under significant strain. Each district faces complex caseloads including felonies, firearm offenses, murders, juvenile matters, and DUIs. The OTPD is currently understaffed; particularly in St. Thomas, where two trial attorney vacancies remain and urgently requires funding to maintain existing personnel, hire additional staff, and ensure equitable workloads. The FY 2026 budget is critical to maintaining constitutional defense services, especially as workloads have surpassed nationally recommended standards set by the American Bar Association.

To meet rising demands, the OTPD has invested in modernizing its systems through full implementation of the Defender Data case management platform and the adoption of Reduct for managing complex digital discovery. These tools allow for more efficient case tracking, evidence management, and reporting. The office is also undergoing IT security upgrades, infrastructure improvements, and physical office renovations to support staff well-being and productivity. Continued funding is requested to sustain these initiatives and to support parity in compensation with the Department of Justice; ensuring OTPD can attract and retain qualified attorneys. 

The Governor has recommended a General Fund appropriation of $6,132,220 for the OTPD for Fiscal Year 2026. However, the agency has submitted a budget request of $6,696,220, representing an increase of $564,000 over the recommended amount. The proposed budget includes $4,060,000 for personnel services, $1,376,000 for fringe benefits, $80,000 for capital outlays, $273,000 for supplies, $776,500 for other services and charges, and $130,720 for utility services. Justifying the increase, Todman emphasized that the budget also supports professional training, expert engagement, staff wellness programs, and community outreach; including “Know Your Rights” campaigns and expungement support services. This investment, she asserted, is essential to uphold justice, foster public trust, and ensure every defendant, regardless of status, receives quality legal representation.

Senators present at today’s Committee hearing were Chairman Novelle E. Francis Jr., Vice Chairman, Marvin A. Blyden, Kenneth L. Gittens, Carla A. Joseph, Kurt A. Vialet, Dwayne M. DeGraff, Hubert L. Frederick, Ray Fonseca, Marise C. James, Clifford A. Joseph, Sr., and Milton E. Potter.

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 legvi.org.                        

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Press Contact: Africah N.T. Harrigan

Email: aharrigan@legvi.org