Bryan criticized Legislature’s override of veto on Bill 36-0053

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. said on June 26, 2025, that the 36th Legislature had overridden his veto of Bill No. 36-0053, a measure raising the minimum annual salary for government employees and workers at semi-autonomous agencies from $27,000 to $35,000.

In a statement, Bryan said the bill was enacted without data on how many employees would be affected, the total cost, or how the increase would be funded. He also said the measure applied to entities outside the Legislature’s budgetary control, including the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority and the territory’s two public hospitals.

Bryan said the law could force the executive branch to make decisions affecting services including health care, utilities and public safety. He said he supported compensation reform for government workers but argued it should be based on financial analysis, implementation planning and a sustainable funding strategy.

The statement said Bryan viewed the override as a return to fiscally unsound decision-making and urged lawmakers to make what he described as informed and responsible budget decisions.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-bryan-expresses-deep-disappointment-with-legislatures-irresponsible-veto-override-of-bill-36-0053-warns-of-return-to-fiscal-instability/