Mapp vetoed EDC tax-break bill and acted on 19 measures

Gov. Kenneth E. Mapp on May 1, 2018, vetoed Bill No. 32-0175, saying it would allow 10-year extensions of Economic Development Commission tax benefits without a commission recommendation, gubernatorial approval or a public hearing.

In his veto message to Senate President Myron Jackson, Mapp also objected to a provision that would allow EDC applicants to apply tax benefits retroactively even if a business license had only been applied for and regardless of whether taxes or other government fees were owed.

Mapp also vetoed Bill No. 32-0147, a telemedicine measure. He said he supported expanded access to telemedicine but objected to provisions including a reduction in gross-receipts taxes for some physicians from 5 percent to 2.5 percent.

Among the measures he approved was Bill No. 32-0130, which increased criminal penalties for gang-related activity and established the Crime and Gang Prevention Fund.

Mapp also approved Bill No. 32-0030, which created a property-tax "circuit breaker" system, amended the definition of commercial property to include apartments with five or more units, and authorized the tax assessor to offer tax credits to property owners in the Charlotte Amalie historic district.

The governor also approved several Coastal Zone permits, rezonings and land-use variances, including a permit for a dock in Fish Bay, St. John, and continued operation of the reverse osmosis plant at Mahogany Run.

Separately, Mapp announced on May 1, 2018, that the U.S. Virgin Islands state of emergency had been extended through June 2, 2018.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/chief-executive-acts-on-19-measures-governor-vetoes-bill-that-would-loosen-controls-on-edc-tax-breaks/