Senate
Disagreement Over $1.7M Education Fund Transfer Rises in Senate: Francis Points to Red Tape, Frett-Gregory Calls for More Oversight
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Amid a tense discussion on Wednesday at the Senate Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance, senators had a disagreement over a funding transfer request amounting to $1.7 million for the Department of Education. Senators Novelle Francis and Donna Frett-Gregory were distinctly divided over the department’s continual fund transfer requests, which were meant to address long-pending vendor debts.
Kimo Smith, the Deputy Commissioner of Education, clarified to Senator Francis that the proposed $1.7 million is slated to be used to settle outstanding payments to vendors. Some of these payments have been pending for almost ten years. In response to a query from Senator Samuel Carrion, Smith also mentioned the department’s plans to move towards a more regular 30-day payment schedule for future liabilities.
Yet, Committee Chair, Senator Donna Frett-Gregory raised questions about the recurring nature of the Department of Education’s fund requests. She highlighted past requests of approximately $3 million and questioned the department’s continual struggle to process payments on time. Smith noted that past requests often went unaddressed due to funding shortages, but he remained hopeful that clearing the existing debts would pave the way for smoother payment cycles in the future.
However, Smith’s answers did not placate Frett-Gregory. She emphasized the need for an external review and assigned the responsibility to the Office of Management and Budget Director, Jenifer O’Neal. She tasked O’Neal with collaborating with the Department of Property and Procurement to assess the legitimacy of vendor claims. Frett-Gregory stated, “We need to ensure that every claim is backed by verifiable proof of work completed.”
Senator Francis countered, suggesting that delays in the Department of Education’s payments are more often due to administrative issues than concerns about the legitimacy of the work done. He explained, “We frequently ask contractors to carry out urgent tasks. These contractors deliver, but often remain unpaid.” Smith echoed Francis’s sentiments, emphasizing that emergency situations in schools often require immediate responses, with vendors generally being trustworthy in such situations.
Wrapping up the discussion, Frett-Gregory highlighted that an external assessment would bring clarity to these differing perspectives. Smith assured the committee of the Department of Education’s transparency, emphasizing that they were ready to provide all necessary documentation since the obligations had undergone internal verification. Additionally, he reiterated the senator’s call for a detailed breakdown of the debts to be shared with lawmakers.
Smith further shared details of the pending payments. He mentioned unbudgeted charges for waste collection services, including additional fees charged by the service providers. He also informed the committee about a transaction for online education services from Houghton Mifflin. Initially, this was set to be covered by federal funds, but the department now bears the financial responsibility.
After a thorough discussion, the committee eventually greenlit the $1.7 million fund transfer for the Department of Education. However, the passionate debate underscored the deeper issues surrounding how financial responsibilities are managed within governmental departments.
Senate
Conn Davis II and Lindel Williams, Nominated to Waste Management Board, Impress Lawmakers
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Governor Albert Bryan Jr.’s nominees, Conn Davis II and Lindel Williams, have garnered significant support from lawmakers on the Committee on Rules and Judiciary for their appointments to the Waste Management Authority (WMA) Board of Directors.
Both nominees come with substantial financial management backgrounds and expressed a strong commitment to enhancing waste management systems. During the committee meeting on Thursday, they articulated their vision for a more efficient and effective waste management infrastructure in the Virgin Islands.
Conn Davis II, poised to represent St. Thomas on the board, brings experience as a financial trader and has worked with companies focused on converting waste to clean energy. “I’ll bring a great work ethic, strong financial and operational expertise, and a deep global business network to the V.I. Waste Management Authority,” Davis assured legislators. He emphasized that waste management is “one of the most fundamental and essential functions of government.”
Davis advocated for a thorough assessment of the current waste management scenario, incorporating best practices, and setting clear goals. He stressed the importance of accountability to various stakeholders, including staff, citizens, vendors, contractors, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Additionally, Davis proposed exploring creative funding mechanisms, such as an advanced disposal fee on incoming goods at ports of entry, as an alternative to the existing tipping fees.
Lindel Williams, nominated to represent St. Croix, is a military veteran with international engineering and construction experience. As a former commissioner of the Department of Public Works, he oversaw waste management operations. Williams highlighted the necessity of accountability to the public, compliance, and responsible use of public funds. He also pointed out the need for innovative financing, including public-private partnerships.
Williams outlined several goals, including employee training, rebranding the WMA as a desirable workplace, repairing the sewer system, building new pump stations, and improving landfill management. Lawmakers were particularly impressed with his ability to manage multi-million dollar portfolios.
During the hearing, senators posed various questions regarding the nominees’ strategies for wastewater management, reducing green waste, long-term plans, public education, and waste collection fees. Davis emphasized the importance of changing public perceptions of waste management, linking it to health, beautification, and tourism. Williams agreed, highlighting the need for robust public education to shift mindsets.
Despite awaiting formal confirmation, both nominees offered numerous suggestions to improve waste management. Senator Kenneth Gittens praised their financial expertise, stating, “the Virgin Islands does not have a money problem, but rather a money management problem.” He urged the nominees to leverage their skills to enhance the authority’s operations and proposed new legislation to improve the WMA and ensure a cleaner, healthier environment in the territory.
Senate
Bill Allowing Government Employees to Seek Public Office Without Taking Leave Defeated in Senate
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Another attempt by Senator Marise James to pass legislation permitting government employees to seek political office while employed by the Government of the Virgin Islands (GVI) has stalled. The motion to move the bill forward during Thursday’s meeting of the Committee on Rules and Judiciary failed as her colleagues did not second it.
Proponents argue that the defeat of this legislation maintains a significant barrier for government employees wishing to enter politics. Currently, they must take unpaid leave to run for office, leading to financial and professional instability. This requirement discourages many potential candidates, thereby limiting competition and benefiting incumbent lawmakers who face less competition.
Bill 35-0032, introduced last September, would allow employees to seek office while employed unless prohibited by federal or other laws. The bill faced substantial opposition from lawmakers, including Senators Kenneth Gittens and Carla Joseph, over concerns about conflicts of interest, misuse of taxpayer dollars, and potential policy violations.
Amendments were recommended, including changes by Elections Supervisor Caroline Fawkes and Chief Justice Rhys Hodge. The chief justice advised excluding judicial branch employees from the bill, citing strict guidelines on their political activity. Although Senator James complied with this request and considered other amendments, the latest version of the bill was not shared with invited testifiers nor posted on the Legislature’s website as of press time.
Senator James argued that requiring government employees to vacate their posts to run for office is unfair and disrupts government operations, especially during election cycles. She suggested that her proposal would increase the pool of candidates and reduce the financial burden of campaigning.
While invited testifiers generally supported the amended measure, they suggested further refinements. Ms. Fawkes recommended changing the start of mandatory leave for government employees contesting political office to the absentee ballot casting date rather than the first day of early voting, as the latter is flexible and varies each election cycle.
Despite some support, the bill faced overwhelming opposition from lawmakers. Senator Angel Bolques Jr. expressed concerns about potential issues and ambiguities, while Senator Franklin Johnson worried about conflicts of interest between official duties and political ambitions. Senator Kenneth Gittens reiterated his skepticism, fearing that the bill might encourage misuse of government resources.
The motion to advance the proposal out of committee did not receive a second, leaving Senator James “speechless.” Despite this setback, she emphasized the need to avoid the financial hardship associated with campaigning and expressed hope that future efforts might succeed in changing the law.
Bill 35-0032 remains in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary at the chair’s call.
Senate
Jurors, Witnesses to Receive Increased Payments if Proposed Measure Becomes Law
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The Senate Committee on Rules & Judiciary has advanced a proposal aimed at increasing compensation for jurors and witnesses in the Virgin Islands. Currently, jurors receive $50 per day under federal law, while witnesses receive $40. Local statutes, dating back to 1957, offer witnesses only $4 to $8 per day, and local courts established in 1976 pay jurors $40 per day, plus $5 for transportation costs.
Bill 35-0121 proposes increasing these rates to $80 per day for jurors, payable in $40 half-day increments. Jurors who participate in selection but are not chosen will receive $20 per day, a point of contention for Senator Marise James, who argues for equal compensation for all jurors. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for reasonable compensation for travel, parking, and a subsistence allowance for meals and lodging.
Government employees are excluded from these payments. Witnesses would also receive $80 per day for court attendance, plus a $100 allowance for subsistence, travel time, and inter-island travel costs if they live outside the district where the court proceedings are held.
Senator Novelle Francis, co-sponsor of the bill, emphasized the financial burden jury service imposes on citizens, which can hinder the ability to form a diverse jury. Chief Territorial Public Defender Julie Todman supported the measure, stating that adequate juror compensation is crucial for maintaining a robust judicial system. She highlighted the American Bar Association’s stance that juror compensation should cover routine expenses such as travel, parking, meals, and childcare. This measure, she noted, would elevate the Virgin Islands from one of the lowest to one of the highest in juror compensation.
Deputy Attorney General Ian Clement voiced support for the bill but pointed out that the proposed legislation lacks clarity on who will fund the increased payments and suggested that local government employees should not receive payments when testifying on behalf of the government. He also questioned the exclusion of federal employees from these payments.
Regina Peterson, Administrator of Courts for the Judiciary of the Virgin Islands, proposed that the new pay rate should be a minimum threshold, allowing adjustments for inflation and cost of living. She also noted the projected doubling of jury service costs to approximately half a million dollars annually, to be included in the judiciary’s upcoming budget submission. Ms. Peterson clarified that while the judiciary handles jury compensation, witness payments are the responsibility of the party calling the witness.
Jessica McKinney, chair of the Legislation and Law Reform Committee of the Virgin Islands Bar Association, recommended aligning the juror payments with the current minimum wage, raising the base to $84 per day to maintain consistency. She suggested further adjustments to enhance the bill’s flexibility.
Despite calls for language amendments, Bill 35-0121 passed unanimously in committee, with further discussions expected to refine and strengthen the legislation.
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