Mapp submitted proposed $1.278 billion FY 2019 budget to Legislature

Gov. Kenneth E. Mapp submitted a proposed $1.278 billion Fiscal Year 2019 budget to the 32nd Legislature on May 30, 2018, for government operations beginning Oct. 1, 2018.

According to Government House, the proposal included $851.34 million in local funds, $238.66 million in federal funds, $150 million for debt service payments and $38 million for income tax refunds.

The administration said the budget projected $131.69 million in new revenue tied to rebuilding activity and other sources following Hurricanes Irma and Maria. The proposal also included capital projects and infrastructure initiatives for the fiscal year.

Government House said the spending plan included proposed salary increases for government employees, a plan to merge the operations of Roy Lester Schneider Medical Center and Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center under one board, and several initiatives for senior citizens, including renovation of the Herbert Grigg Home on St. Croix and the purchase of Seaview Nursing Home on St. Thomas.

The budget also contained three proposals aimed at helping stabilize the Government Employees Retirement System, according to the administration.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/fy-2019-spending-plan-includes-provisions-to-stabilize-retirement-system-provide-salary-increases-and-merge-hospital-operations/