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HomeNewsArchivesActing Gov. Francis Vetoes Sections of Bill Aimed at Protecting Elderly

Acting Gov. Francis Vetoes Sections of Bill Aimed at Protecting Elderly

May 14, 2008 — Several sections of a bill that enhances the ability of government agencies to prosecute cases of elder and dependent abuse "failed to address constitutional issues, were unclear or could not be implemented in their present form," according to acting Gov. Gregory R. Francis.
On Wednesday Francis line-item vetoed those provisions, which, among other things, authorize the Superior Court to access the records of an elderly adult in need of protective services; call for the V.I. Police Department to set a cost for obtaining the criminal records of a suspected sex offender; and appropriate $150,000 to the VIPD, Human Services and the Department of Health to cover costs associated with the implementation of the bill.
In a letter to Senate President Usie R. Richards explaining his decision, Francis said he would work with the attorney general on drafting legislation to address issues relating to elderly abuse. The proposal would also include the funding needed to "support the implementation of this important legislation," Francis wrote.
During a Senate session late last month, nearly $484,000 in new appropriations from the General Fund were tacked onto the elder-abuse bill. Francis' line-item vetoes also included an amendment that sets aside $8,840 for the St. Croix Thoroughbred Horse Owners Association to assist in providing training and seminars for horse owners, breeders and trainers.
"Simulcast operators have a duty to support the development of our local horse-racing product," Francis wrote in his letter to Richards. "Further, the government provides significant funding to the Horse Racing Commissions in both districts. While the government has a vested interest in, and will continue to support, local horse racing, it cannot be the sole source of funding for all horse-racing activities in the territory."
While Francis did sign into law another amendment appropriating $200,000 for the Fifth Constitutional Convention, he also urged delegates to "focus on developing a legal framework for the Virgin Islands which will allow the territory to advance its interests, and not become distracted and divided by issues of race and ethnicity."
"A constitution that does not equally apply to all people cannot succeed," he wrote.
Francis also signed into law amendments:
— requiring all real property owners in the territory to pay a minimum of $300 in annual property taxes;
— earmarking nearly $2.7 million in 2003 gross receipts bond proceeds for repairs and expansion to the cafeteria at Ulla F. Muller Elementary School; to enhance the gym and build a new library and cafeteria at Charlotte Amalie High School; and to cover the cost of kitchen equipment and new storage facilities for the territory's school lunch program;
— clearing up language in the elder-abuse bill to protect senior citizens between the ages of 60 and 64; and
— increasing the number of private citizens appointed to the Public Finance Authority Board to four — two residents each from the St. Thomas-St. John and St. Croix districts. (Francis also wrote that he would submit legislation to extend the bill's implementation date — if the bill is implemented immediately, he wrote, the PFA will lose its quorum.);
Francis also approved a bill directing the Office of Collective Bargaining, Management and Budget and the Division of Personnel to jointly develop custom service standards for the various government departments and agencies. (See "Rules Committee Approves Nominee and Moves Elder Anti Abuse Bill and 'Courtesy' Bill on to Full Senate.")
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