In her annual address Tuesday, Delegate Donna Christian Christensen reviewed her 1999 accomplishments, outlined an ambitious agenda for the new year and threw her hat into the ring for a third term.
"Yes, I am running for another term," Christensen said after outlining a range of initiatives aimed at bringing more than $500 million in federal funding into the territory over the next five years.
"By our calculation — and we are still counting, in fiscal year 1999 more than $150 million came to the territory," she said. "The package for fiscal year 2001 and beyond which we propose would add up to $500 million or more, hopefully over a period not to exceed five years."
Regardless of who may run against her for delegate, Christensen said, the fate of her funding proposals will likely hinge on who wins the presidency in November. A supporter of Vice President Al Gore, she said that a Democratic victory will help her efforts, while a Republican win wouldn’t bode well for the territory.
The track record of Republican administrations suggest a GOP win "wouldn’t be the best for the territory," she said. "Either Democrat (Gore or Sen. Bill Bradley) would be okay."
As her own main goals for the coming year, she cited, among others:
– Assisting Gov. Charles Turnbull’s efforts to have the Federal Emergency Management Agency forgive the territory’s $200 million debt.
– Requesting a reimbursement from the federal government on the $12 million the territory pays out each year for the Earned Income Tax Credit.
– Continuing work to have the federal government extend empowerment zone-economic community designation to the territory.
– Working with the Gasoline Excise Tax Commission to seek the return of taxes that may be due the territory.
– Seeking a special appropriation for money owed to territorial hospitals by Medicaid.
– Assisting the V.I. Port Authority in securing funds to complete the St. Croix airport runway extension and the Enighed Pond project on St. John.
Reviewing 1999, Christensen pointed to success in having the excise tax cap on V.I. rum lifted. The move, retroactive to July 1999, extends to December 2001 and will bring in an additional $30 million to $34 million to the territory, she said.
"While it is still not all we asked for, it does give us additional time to work toward having the entire cap lifted permanently," she said.
She also cited the expanding of duty-free benefits to manufacturers of jewelry, primarily on St. Croix. She said three new watch and jewelry manufacturing operations are to open on the Big Island.
In the territory's watch industry heyday a decade ago, she said, 1,000 to 1,200 people were employed in the field locally. That number is down to 200 to 300, she said, but this could double, once the new companies start up.
Finally, Christensen, a physician and chair of the Congressional Black Caucus’s Health Braintrust, noted her efforts to combat HIV/AIDS in the territory and win funding for the Children’s Health Insurance program. Beginning last October until 2002, the Virgin Islands will receive $900,000 a year to cover the needs of children whose parents cannot afford private health insurance but earn too much to qualify for Medicaid.
BUSINESS SMOKIN' AT PUSSER'S FIRE SALE
Resident and visiting shoppers stood shoulder to shoulder at the Pusser's fire sale in Cruz Bay Tuesday.
Laid out on long tables bordering a restored stone house were piles of merchandise salvaged from the Dec. 28 fire at the Pusser's Company Store in Wharfside Village. Traces and smells of smoke were still evident on the terrycloth crew shirts and a flowered dress hanging from a corner hat rack.
The blaze destroyed the Pusser's Restaurant office on the second floor of the shopping center; the nearby Company Store suffered extensive smoke and water damage.
Store manager Ruth Lettsome said sales have been brisk since the "fire sale" signs were first put up three days ago. "We've been getting a lot of business from the road," she said as passersby stopped, looked and stepped up to shop.
Lettsome said she and her workers began salvaging efforts as soon as they could get to the goods. In the days after the fire, clothing items from the store could be seen hanging from Wharfside's second-floor railing. "They've been washing well," she said.
For those willing to do their own washing and take a chance on the outcome, bargains were abundant. Dresses once tagged $80 were marked down to $19.99. Shirts formerly $50 bore similar price chops. Fast sellers included underwear, spices and Pusser's old-fashioned, oversized enamel mugs. Most of the merchandise bore the familiar Pusser's coat of arms emblem.
Kathy Ireton, a snowbird from Cincinnati, stopped to admire the stone jugs and scrimshaw on a table. "I had originally come out to buy a raincoat," she said. "They have some very nice bottles and boxes and some great shirts."
Lettsome said most of the merchandise that doesn't sell will be sent to Pusser's discount outlet on St. Thomas.
Laid out on long tables bordering a restored stone house were piles of merchandise salvaged from the Dec. 28 fire at the Pusser's Company Store in Wharfside Village. Traces and smells of smoke were still evident on the terrycloth crew shirts and a flowered dress hanging from a corner hat rack.
The blaze destroyed the Pusser's Restaurant office on the second floor of the shopping center; the nearby Company Store suffered extensive smoke and water damage.
Store manager Ruth Lettsome said sales have been brisk since the "fire sale" signs were first put up three days ago. "We've been getting a lot of business from the road," she said as passersby stopped, looked and stepped up to shop.
Lettsome said she and her workers began salvaging efforts as soon as they could get to the goods. In the days after the fire, clothing items from the store could be seen hanging from Wharfside's second-floor railing. "They've been washing well," she said.
For those willing to do their own washing and take a chance on the outcome, bargains were abundant. Dresses once tagged $80 were marked down to $19.99. Shirts formerly $50 bore similar price chops. Fast sellers included underwear, spices and Pusser's old-fashioned, oversized enamel mugs. Most of the merchandise bore the familiar Pusser's coat of arms emblem.
Kathy Ireton, a snowbird from Cincinnati, stopped to admire the stone jugs and scrimshaw on a table. "I had originally come out to buy a raincoat," she said. "They have some very nice bottles and boxes and some great shirts."
Lettsome said most of the merchandise that doesn't sell will be sent to Pusser's discount outlet on St. Thomas.
DELEGATE PLANS FOR 2000 AND BEYOND
In her annual address Tuesday, Delegate to Congress Donna Christian Christensen reviewed her 1999 accomplishments, outlined an ambitious agenda for the coming year and, almost as an afterthought, threw her hat in the ring for a third term.
"Yes, I am running for another term," said Christensen, after plotting out a range of initiatives aimed at bringing in more than $500 million in federal funding over the next five years.
"By our calculation, and we are still counting, in fiscal year 1999 more than $150 million came to the territory," Christensen said. "The package for fiscal year 2001 and beyond, which we propose, would add up to $500 million or more, hopefully over a period not to exceed five years."
And while Christensen said she doesn’t know who may run against her for delegate, the fate of her future funding proposals will likely hinge on who wins the presidency this November. Christensen, who supports Vice President Al Gore, said that a Democratic victory will help her efforts. A Republican win, however, wouldn’t bode well for the territory, she said.
"Past history with Republican administrations would indicate they wouldn’t be the best for the territory," Christensen said. "Either Democrat (Gore or Sen. Bill Bradley) would be OK."
Meanwhile, Christensen said her main goals for the coming year include, among others:
– Assisting Gov. Charles Turnbull’s efforts in having the Federal Emergency Management Agency forgive the territory’s $200 million debt.
– Requesting a reimbursement from the federal government on the $12 million the territory pays out each year for the Earned Income Tax Credit.
– Continuing work to have the federal government extend empowerment zone-economic community designation to the territory.
– Working with the Gasoline Excise Tax Commission to return taxes that may be due the territory.
– Seeking a special appropriation for money Medicaid owes territorial hospitals.
– Assisting the V.I. Port Authority in securing funds to complete the St. Croix runway extension and the Enighed Pond project on St. John.
As for 1999, Christensen pointed to successes in having the excise-tax cap on V.I. rum lifted. The move, retroactive to July 1999, extends to December 2001 and will bring an additional $30 million to $34 million to the territory, she said.
"While it is still not all we asked for, it does give us additional time to work toward having the entire cap lifted permanently," said Christensen.
Expanding duty-free benefits to manufacturers of jewelry, primarily on St. Croix, was another successful effort, Christensen reported. She said three new watch and jewelry manufacturers are preparing to open on the Big Island.
Christensen said that at the height of the watch industry a decade ago, between 1,000 and 1,200 people in the territory were working in the field. That number is down to 200 to 300. She said the number could double once the new companies start up.
Finally, Christensen, a doctor and chair of the Congressional Black Caucus’ Health Braintrust, noted her efforts to combat HIV/AIDS in the territory and win funding for the Children’s Health Insurance program. Beginning last October until 2002, the Virgin Islands will receive $900,000 a year to cover the needs of children whose parents cannot afford private health insurance but earn too much to qualify for Medicaid.
"Yes, I am running for another term," said Christensen, after plotting out a range of initiatives aimed at bringing in more than $500 million in federal funding over the next five years.
"By our calculation, and we are still counting, in fiscal year 1999 more than $150 million came to the territory," Christensen said. "The package for fiscal year 2001 and beyond, which we propose, would add up to $500 million or more, hopefully over a period not to exceed five years."
And while Christensen said she doesn’t know who may run against her for delegate, the fate of her future funding proposals will likely hinge on who wins the presidency this November. Christensen, who supports Vice President Al Gore, said that a Democratic victory will help her efforts. A Republican win, however, wouldn’t bode well for the territory, she said.
"Past history with Republican administrations would indicate they wouldn’t be the best for the territory," Christensen said. "Either Democrat (Gore or Sen. Bill Bradley) would be OK."
Meanwhile, Christensen said her main goals for the coming year include, among others:
– Assisting Gov. Charles Turnbull’s efforts in having the Federal Emergency Management Agency forgive the territory’s $200 million debt.
– Requesting a reimbursement from the federal government on the $12 million the territory pays out each year for the Earned Income Tax Credit.
– Continuing work to have the federal government extend empowerment zone-economic community designation to the territory.
– Working with the Gasoline Excise Tax Commission to return taxes that may be due the territory.
– Seeking a special appropriation for money Medicaid owes territorial hospitals.
– Assisting the V.I. Port Authority in securing funds to complete the St. Croix runway extension and the Enighed Pond project on St. John.
As for 1999, Christensen pointed to successes in having the excise-tax cap on V.I. rum lifted. The move, retroactive to July 1999, extends to December 2001 and will bring an additional $30 million to $34 million to the territory, she said.
"While it is still not all we asked for, it does give us additional time to work toward having the entire cap lifted permanently," said Christensen.
Expanding duty-free benefits to manufacturers of jewelry, primarily on St. Croix, was another successful effort, Christensen reported. She said three new watch and jewelry manufacturers are preparing to open on the Big Island.
Christensen said that at the height of the watch industry a decade ago, between 1,000 and 1,200 people in the territory were working in the field. That number is down to 200 to 300. She said the number could double once the new companies start up.
Finally, Christensen, a doctor and chair of the Congressional Black Caucus’ Health Braintrust, noted her efforts to combat HIV/AIDS in the territory and win funding for the Children’s Health Insurance program. Beginning last October until 2002, the Virgin Islands will receive $900,000 a year to cover the needs of children whose parents cannot afford private health insurance but earn too much to qualify for Medicaid.
‘SIX PACK’ RULE TO GO TO CONGRESS
Although the issue was inadvertently omitted from her ‘things to do’ for 2000 address Tuesday, Delegate Donna Christian Christensen said she will seek to have the "six pack" rule for charter yachts in the territory waived.
The U.S. Coast Guard limits charter yachts in the U.S. to six passengers. Over the past 15 years that has translated into the loss of tens of millions of dollars a year to the local economy as charter owners moved their boats to the British Virgin Islands where up to 12 people are allowed on board, according to Judy Knape, executive director of the V.I. Charteryacht League.
Obtaining a waiver to the six-pack law in the territory would bring a significant amount of revenue to the ailing V.I. government, supporters of the industry say.
Knape said that at the height of the charter yacht industry in the mid-1980s, between $85 million and $100 million a year, depending on economic multipliers used, was generated. Current revenues are now one-quarter to one-third of that, she said.
Christensen said she has been dealing with the issue since 1997 as a way for the federal government to help the V.I. generate its own revenue rather than asking for more assistance.
"The U.S. Coast Guard has been the obstacle to having this happen," she said. "That’s why we’ve taken the legislative route."
Christensen staffer Brian Modeste said the delegate will introduce a bill in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which oversees the Coast Guard. The next step is to collect co-sponsors. But because the issue is perceived as a safety issue, Modeste said obtaining a waiver for the territory may be difficult.
Knape, however, said safety is actually a non-issue. She said charter yachts are captained by professionals while bareboats, essentially vessels rented to individual customers, can take up to 10 passengers.
"On paper it looks like a safety issue," Knape said. "A professionally captained charter can only take six people. That same boat could be taken out by a boozer with 10 people without breaking the law."
Knape said the Charteryacht League plans to work with Christensen on the waiver.
"We’re for safe boats. I don’t think the Coast Guard can show us a record of bad things happening," she said. "It’s such an obvious way for the federal government to help the territory."
The U.S. Coast Guard limits charter yachts in the U.S. to six passengers. Over the past 15 years that has translated into the loss of tens of millions of dollars a year to the local economy as charter owners moved their boats to the British Virgin Islands where up to 12 people are allowed on board, according to Judy Knape, executive director of the V.I. Charteryacht League.
Obtaining a waiver to the six-pack law in the territory would bring a significant amount of revenue to the ailing V.I. government, supporters of the industry say.
Knape said that at the height of the charter yacht industry in the mid-1980s, between $85 million and $100 million a year, depending on economic multipliers used, was generated. Current revenues are now one-quarter to one-third of that, she said.
Christensen said she has been dealing with the issue since 1997 as a way for the federal government to help the V.I. generate its own revenue rather than asking for more assistance.
"The U.S. Coast Guard has been the obstacle to having this happen," she said. "That’s why we’ve taken the legislative route."
Christensen staffer Brian Modeste said the delegate will introduce a bill in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which oversees the Coast Guard. The next step is to collect co-sponsors. But because the issue is perceived as a safety issue, Modeste said obtaining a waiver for the territory may be difficult.
Knape, however, said safety is actually a non-issue. She said charter yachts are captained by professionals while bareboats, essentially vessels rented to individual customers, can take up to 10 passengers.
"On paper it looks like a safety issue," Knape said. "A professionally captained charter can only take six people. That same boat could be taken out by a boozer with 10 people without breaking the law."
Knape said the Charteryacht League plans to work with Christensen on the waiver.
"We’re for safe boats. I don’t think the Coast Guard can show us a record of bad things happening," she said. "It’s such an obvious way for the federal government to help the territory."
DELEGATE PLANS FOR 2000; WILL RUN AGAIN
In her annual address Tuesday, Delegate to Congress Donna Christian-Christensen reviewed her 1999 accomplishments, outlined an ambitious agenda for the coming year and, almost as an afterthought, threw her hat in the ring for a third term.
"Yes, I am running for another term," said Christensen, after describing a range of initiatives aimed at bringing in more than $500 million in federal funding over the next five years.
"By our calculation, and we are still counting, in fiscal year 1999 more than $150 million came to the territory," Christensen said. "The package for fiscal year 2001 and beyond, which we propose, would add up to $500 million or more, hopefully over a period not to exceed five years."
The delegate said the fate of her funding proposals will very likely hinge on who wins the presidency in November. Christensen, who supports Vice President Al Gore, said a Democratic victory would help her efforts. A Republican win wouldn’t bode well for the territory, she said.
"Past history with Republican administrations would indicate they wouldn’t be the best for the territory," Christensen said. "Either Democrat [Gore or Senator Bill Bradley] would be OK."
Among her main goals for the coming year:
– Assist Gov. Charles Turnbull’s efforts in having the Federal Emergency Management Agency forgive the territory’s $200 million debt.
– Request a reimbursement from the federal government on the $12 million the territory pays out each year for the Earned Income Tax Credit.
– Continue efforts to have the federal government extend empowerment zone-economic community designation to the territory.
– Work with the Gasoline Excise Tax Commission to return taxes that may be due the territory.
– Seek a special appropriation for money owed to territorial hospitals by Medicaid.
– Assist the V.I. Port Authority in securing funds to complete the St. Croix runway extension and the Enighed Pond project on St. John.
As for 1999, Christensen pointed to success in having the excise-tax cap on V.I. rum lifted. The move, retroactive to July 1999, extends to December 2001 and will bring the territory an additional $30 million to $34 million, she said.
"While it is still not all we asked for, it does give us additional time to work toward having the entire cap lifted permanently."
Christensen said she had also succeeded in expanding duty-free benefits to manufacturers of jewelry, primarily on St. Croix. She said three new watch and jewelry manufacturers were preparing to open on the Big Island.
At the height of the watch industry a decade ago, between 1,000 and 1,200 people in the territory were working in the field, she said, noting the number was now down to 200 to 300. She said that figure could double once the new companies start up.
Finally, Christensen, a doctor and chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus’s Health Braintrust, mentioned her efforts to combat HIV/AIDS in the territory and win funding for the Children’s Health Insurance program. From October 1999 until 2002, the Virgin Islands will receive $900,000 a year to cover the needs of children whose parents cannot afford private health insurance but earn too much to qualify for Medicaid.
"Yes, I am running for another term," said Christensen, after describing a range of initiatives aimed at bringing in more than $500 million in federal funding over the next five years.
"By our calculation, and we are still counting, in fiscal year 1999 more than $150 million came to the territory," Christensen said. "The package for fiscal year 2001 and beyond, which we propose, would add up to $500 million or more, hopefully over a period not to exceed five years."
The delegate said the fate of her funding proposals will very likely hinge on who wins the presidency in November. Christensen, who supports Vice President Al Gore, said a Democratic victory would help her efforts. A Republican win wouldn’t bode well for the territory, she said.
"Past history with Republican administrations would indicate they wouldn’t be the best for the territory," Christensen said. "Either Democrat [Gore or Senator Bill Bradley] would be OK."
Among her main goals for the coming year:
– Assist Gov. Charles Turnbull’s efforts in having the Federal Emergency Management Agency forgive the territory’s $200 million debt.
– Request a reimbursement from the federal government on the $12 million the territory pays out each year for the Earned Income Tax Credit.
– Continue efforts to have the federal government extend empowerment zone-economic community designation to the territory.
– Work with the Gasoline Excise Tax Commission to return taxes that may be due the territory.
– Seek a special appropriation for money owed to territorial hospitals by Medicaid.
– Assist the V.I. Port Authority in securing funds to complete the St. Croix runway extension and the Enighed Pond project on St. John.
As for 1999, Christensen pointed to success in having the excise-tax cap on V.I. rum lifted. The move, retroactive to July 1999, extends to December 2001 and will bring the territory an additional $30 million to $34 million, she said.
"While it is still not all we asked for, it does give us additional time to work toward having the entire cap lifted permanently."
Christensen said she had also succeeded in expanding duty-free benefits to manufacturers of jewelry, primarily on St. Croix. She said three new watch and jewelry manufacturers were preparing to open on the Big Island.
At the height of the watch industry a decade ago, between 1,000 and 1,200 people in the territory were working in the field, she said, noting the number was now down to 200 to 300. She said that figure could double once the new companies start up.
Finally, Christensen, a doctor and chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus’s Health Braintrust, mentioned her efforts to combat HIV/AIDS in the territory and win funding for the Children’s Health Insurance program. From October 1999 until 2002, the Virgin Islands will receive $900,000 a year to cover the needs of children whose parents cannot afford private health insurance but earn too much to qualify for Medicaid.
HEARINGS SET ON TOBACCO SETTLEMENT RESHUFFLE
The 23rd Legislature has decided to hold public hearings on a bill which would alter the allocation formula for the territory's multimillion-dollar tobacco settlement fund.
The move will pose a new challenge to unions representing government workers, who as things now stand are slated to get half of the settlement money via the Union Arbitration Award and Increment Fund.
Sen. Allie-Allison Petrus is sponsoring the measure, which would reduce the percentage designated for the Arbitration Award and Increment Fund. In detailing his bill's intent, Petrus said Tuesday that, while the unions are in need of funds to pay retroactive wages, there are critical concerns in the Health Department.
"Right now, there is a situation where a lot of people are being diagnosed with cancer," he said, "and we need to concentrate our efforts on early detection." But that is just one health area where increased funds are desperately needed, he added.
According to Petrus, who chairs the Senate Health Committee, "This measure is about placing the funds from this settlement where they rightly belong."
His bill would amend existing law to allocate 37.5 percent of the tobacco settlement proceeds to the Health Revolving Fund for use by the Health Department, 21.25 percent to each territorial hospital, and 20 percent to the union fund.
The current law has 50 percent of the settlement going to the arbitration fund.
Petrus said he intends for the settlement money to become available sooner to the territory for uses consistent with the intent of the lawsuits which prevailed against the big tobacco companies. "We will be able to use these monies to pay for bonds floated in the past," he said. "Also, the monies will be used directly for health-related causes in the territory."
Under his proposal, the option would be available to the territory to try to leverage the tobacco settlement funds for more readily available cash, he said Tuesday.
"These are guaranteed monies for the territory over the next 25 years and therefore could be used for early detection of terminal disease or as leverage against bonds floated for various projects in the territory," he said. "There are a lot of options."
Senate Finance Committee chair Lorraine Berry said Tuesday that the hearings will be held on Feb. 8 on St. Thomas and Feb. 9 on St. Croix, starting at 10 a.m. Community groups including the American Association of Retired Persons, the American Lung Association and the League of Women Voters had called for hearings to be held.
Initial reaction from union leadership was negative and promised political consequences. Glen J. Smith, head of the teachers union on St. Thomas, said Tuesday night, "My initial reaction is one of horror and anger and a general disdain for those who seek to take away from the workers."
Smith said although there was strong lobbying by the AARP for the proposed amendment, "Petrus appears more interested in the votes of the senior community compared to the support of thousands of government workers in both districts." He added that anyone taking that position risks losing "the political support of thousands of government workers."
The union leader said just as there are just as good reasons for spending the tobacco settlement funds as proposed, there also should be the commitment to unionized government workers to find an alternative source of funding for retroactive pay.
The move will pose a new challenge to unions representing government workers, who as things now stand are slated to get half of the settlement money via the Union Arbitration Award and Increment Fund.
Sen. Allie-Allison Petrus is sponsoring the measure, which would reduce the percentage designated for the Arbitration Award and Increment Fund. In detailing his bill's intent, Petrus said Tuesday that, while the unions are in need of funds to pay retroactive wages, there are critical concerns in the Health Department.
"Right now, there is a situation where a lot of people are being diagnosed with cancer," he said, "and we need to concentrate our efforts on early detection." But that is just one health area where increased funds are desperately needed, he added.
According to Petrus, who chairs the Senate Health Committee, "This measure is about placing the funds from this settlement where they rightly belong."
His bill would amend existing law to allocate 37.5 percent of the tobacco settlement proceeds to the Health Revolving Fund for use by the Health Department, 21.25 percent to each territorial hospital, and 20 percent to the union fund.
The current law has 50 percent of the settlement going to the arbitration fund.
Petrus said he intends for the settlement money to become available sooner to the territory for uses consistent with the intent of the lawsuits which prevailed against the big tobacco companies. "We will be able to use these monies to pay for bonds floated in the past," he said. "Also, the monies will be used directly for health-related causes in the territory."
Under his proposal, the option would be available to the territory to try to leverage the tobacco settlement funds for more readily available cash, he said Tuesday.
"These are guaranteed monies for the territory over the next 25 years and therefore could be used for early detection of terminal disease or as leverage against bonds floated for various projects in the territory," he said. "There are a lot of options."
Senate Finance Committee chair Lorraine Berry said Tuesday that the hearings will be held on Feb. 8 on St. Thomas and Feb. 9 on St. Croix, starting at 10 a.m. Community groups including the American Association of Retired Persons, the American Lung Association and the League of Women Voters had called for hearings to be held.
Initial reaction from union leadership was negative and promised political consequences. Glen J. Smith, head of the teachers union on St. Thomas, said Tuesday night, "My initial reaction is one of horror and anger and a general disdain for those who seek to take away from the workers."
Smith said although there was strong lobbying by the AARP for the proposed amendment, "Petrus appears more interested in the votes of the senior community compared to the support of thousands of government workers in both districts." He added that anyone taking that position risks losing "the political support of thousands of government workers."
The union leader said just as there are just as good reasons for spending the tobacco settlement funds as proposed, there also should be the commitment to unionized government workers to find an alternative source of funding for retroactive pay.
TOBACCO SETTLEMENT TO BE SUBJECT OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
The 23rd Legislature has decided to hold public hearings on a proposed bill which would alter the allocation formula for the multi-million dollar tobacco settlement fund.
The move will pose a challenge to unions representing Virgin Islands government workers, who were slated to get half the settlement via the Union Arbitration Awards Fund.
Sen. Allie-Allison Petrus is sponsoring the measure, which would reduce the percentage designated for the union fund.
Petrus, who chairs the Senate Committee on Health, said Tuesday that while the unions need money to pay retroactive wages, there are more pressing concerns in the Health Department.
"Right now, there is a situation where a lot of people are being diagnosed with cancer and we need to concentrate our efforts on early detection," he said, citing one of several areas where he said money is desperately needed.
"This measure is about placing the funds from this settlement where they rightly belong," said Petrus.
His proposal would allocate 37.5 percent of the settlement to the Health Revolving Fund; 21.25 percent to each territorial hospital and just 20 percent to the Union Arbitration Award and Increment Fund.
Using the tobacco-settlement monies for health-related issues would be more consistent with the intent of the successful lawsuits against "big tobacco," said Petrus.
The territory will not necessarily try to leverage the tobacco settlement monies for more readily available cash, the senator said, although under his proposal that option would be available.
"These are guaranteed monies for the territory over the next 25 years and therefore could be used for early detection of terminal disease or as leverage against bonds floated for various projects in the territory. There are a lot of options," Petrus said.
The finance committee chairwoman, Sen. Lorraine Berry, said the hearings will be held Feb. 8 and 9 in St. Thomas and St. Croix respectively, beginning each day at 10 a.m. The request for public hearings came from civic groups including the American Association of Retired Persons, the American Lung Association and the League of Women Voters.
As might be expected, the initial reaction from a union leader was negative, with a promise of political consequences. Glen J. Smith, who heads the teachers union on St. Thomas, said he heard of Petrus's proposal with "horror and anger and a general disdain for those who seek to take away from the workers."
Noting that the AARP is lobbying strongly in favor of the proposal, Smith said, "Petrus appears more interested in the votes of the senior community compared to the support of thousands of government workers in both districts. Those who take this position risk the political support of thousands of government workers."
The union leader said there were good reasons for spending the tobacco settlement funds as proposed, and there should be the commitment to unionized government workers to find an alternative source of funding for retroactive pay.
The move will pose a challenge to unions representing Virgin Islands government workers, who were slated to get half the settlement via the Union Arbitration Awards Fund.
Sen. Allie-Allison Petrus is sponsoring the measure, which would reduce the percentage designated for the union fund.
Petrus, who chairs the Senate Committee on Health, said Tuesday that while the unions need money to pay retroactive wages, there are more pressing concerns in the Health Department.
"Right now, there is a situation where a lot of people are being diagnosed with cancer and we need to concentrate our efforts on early detection," he said, citing one of several areas where he said money is desperately needed.
"This measure is about placing the funds from this settlement where they rightly belong," said Petrus.
His proposal would allocate 37.5 percent of the settlement to the Health Revolving Fund; 21.25 percent to each territorial hospital and just 20 percent to the Union Arbitration Award and Increment Fund.
Using the tobacco-settlement monies for health-related issues would be more consistent with the intent of the successful lawsuits against "big tobacco," said Petrus.
The territory will not necessarily try to leverage the tobacco settlement monies for more readily available cash, the senator said, although under his proposal that option would be available.
"These are guaranteed monies for the territory over the next 25 years and therefore could be used for early detection of terminal disease or as leverage against bonds floated for various projects in the territory. There are a lot of options," Petrus said.
The finance committee chairwoman, Sen. Lorraine Berry, said the hearings will be held Feb. 8 and 9 in St. Thomas and St. Croix respectively, beginning each day at 10 a.m. The request for public hearings came from civic groups including the American Association of Retired Persons, the American Lung Association and the League of Women Voters.
As might be expected, the initial reaction from a union leader was negative, with a promise of political consequences. Glen J. Smith, who heads the teachers union on St. Thomas, said he heard of Petrus's proposal with "horror and anger and a general disdain for those who seek to take away from the workers."
Noting that the AARP is lobbying strongly in favor of the proposal, Smith said, "Petrus appears more interested in the votes of the senior community compared to the support of thousands of government workers in both districts. Those who take this position risk the political support of thousands of government workers."
The union leader said there were good reasons for spending the tobacco settlement funds as proposed, and there should be the commitment to unionized government workers to find an alternative source of funding for retroactive pay.
TOBACCO SETTLEMENT TO BE SUBJECT OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
The 23rd Legislature has decided to hold public hearings on a proposed bill which would alter the allocation formula for the multi-million dollar tobacco settlement fund.
The move will pose a new challenge to unions representing Virgin Islands government workers, who were slated to get half the settlement via the Union Arbitration Awards Fund.
Sen. Allie-Allison Petrus is sponsoring the measure, which would reduce the percentage originally designated for the Arbitration Award and Increment Fund. In detailing the measure's intent, Petrus said Tuesday that while the unions need funds to pay retroactive wages, there are key concerns in the Health Department.
"Right now there is a situation where a lot of people are being diagnosed with cancer and we need to concentrate our efforts on early detection," Petrus said, adding that is just one area where increased funds are desperately needed.
"This measure is about placing the funds from this settlement where they rightly belong," said Petrus, who chairs the Senate Health Committee.
The Petrus proposal seeks to amend existing law and allocate 37.5 percent to the Health Revolving Fund for use by the Health Department; 21.25 percent to each territorial hospital; and 20 percent to the Union Arbitration Award and Increment Fund.
The current law had 50 percent of the settlement going to the arbitration fund.
Petrus said it is his intention that the tobacco settlement monies become available sooner to the territory for uses more consistent with the intent of the lawsuits that prevailed against "big tobacco."
"With this we will be able to use these monies to pay for bonds floated in the past," he said. "Also, the monies will be used directly for health-related causes in the territory."
The territory is not necessarily going to try to leverage the tobacco-settlement monies for more readily available cash, the senator said, but under his proposal, the option would be available.
"These are guaranteed monies for the territory over the next 25 years and therefore could be used for early detection of terminal disease or as leverage against bonds floated for various projects in the territory. There are a lot of options," Petrus said.
Finance Committee Chairwoman Lorraine Berry said Tuesday that the hearings will be held Feb. 8 and 9 in St. Thomas and St. Croix respectively, beginning each day at 10 a.m. The request for public hearings came from civic groups including the American Association of Retired Persons, the American Lung Association and the League of Women Voters.
As might be expected, the initial reaction from a union leader was negative and promised political consequences.
Glen J. Smith, who heads the teachers union on St. Thomas, said Tuesday night, "My initial reaction is one of horror and anger and a general disdain for those who seek to take away from the workers."
Smith warned that although there was a strong lobbying effort by the AARP for these amendments, "Petrus appears more interested in the votes of the senior community compared to the support of thousands of government workers in both districts. Those who take this position risk the political support of thousands of government workers."
The union leader said that while there are good reasons for spending the tobacco settlement funds as proposed, there also should be the commitment to unionized government workers to find an alternative source of funding for retroactive pay.
The move will pose a new challenge to unions representing Virgin Islands government workers, who were slated to get half the settlement via the Union Arbitration Awards Fund.
Sen. Allie-Allison Petrus is sponsoring the measure, which would reduce the percentage originally designated for the Arbitration Award and Increment Fund. In detailing the measure's intent, Petrus said Tuesday that while the unions need funds to pay retroactive wages, there are key concerns in the Health Department.
"Right now there is a situation where a lot of people are being diagnosed with cancer and we need to concentrate our efforts on early detection," Petrus said, adding that is just one area where increased funds are desperately needed.
"This measure is about placing the funds from this settlement where they rightly belong," said Petrus, who chairs the Senate Health Committee.
The Petrus proposal seeks to amend existing law and allocate 37.5 percent to the Health Revolving Fund for use by the Health Department; 21.25 percent to each territorial hospital; and 20 percent to the Union Arbitration Award and Increment Fund.
The current law had 50 percent of the settlement going to the arbitration fund.
Petrus said it is his intention that the tobacco settlement monies become available sooner to the territory for uses more consistent with the intent of the lawsuits that prevailed against "big tobacco."
"With this we will be able to use these monies to pay for bonds floated in the past," he said. "Also, the monies will be used directly for health-related causes in the territory."
The territory is not necessarily going to try to leverage the tobacco-settlement monies for more readily available cash, the senator said, but under his proposal, the option would be available.
"These are guaranteed monies for the territory over the next 25 years and therefore could be used for early detection of terminal disease or as leverage against bonds floated for various projects in the territory. There are a lot of options," Petrus said.
Finance Committee Chairwoman Lorraine Berry said Tuesday that the hearings will be held Feb. 8 and 9 in St. Thomas and St. Croix respectively, beginning each day at 10 a.m. The request for public hearings came from civic groups including the American Association of Retired Persons, the American Lung Association and the League of Women Voters.
As might be expected, the initial reaction from a union leader was negative and promised political consequences.
Glen J. Smith, who heads the teachers union on St. Thomas, said Tuesday night, "My initial reaction is one of horror and anger and a general disdain for those who seek to take away from the workers."
Smith warned that although there was a strong lobbying effort by the AARP for these amendments, "Petrus appears more interested in the votes of the senior community compared to the support of thousands of government workers in both districts. Those who take this position risk the political support of thousands of government workers."
The union leader said that while there are good reasons for spending the tobacco settlement funds as proposed, there also should be the commitment to unionized government workers to find an alternative source of funding for retroactive pay.
GERS BOARD BACKS OFF BIG PAY HIKES, FOR NOW
The board of trustees of the Government Employees Retirement System has decided to roll back the massive salary increases it gave recently to GERS senior staff members, at least temporarily.
According to a Tuesday GERS release, the board has temporarily put the increases on hold until the trustees meet again on Feb. 8 to make their final decision.
In December the GERS board voted to reinstate hefty pay raises that had been granted to top administrators in 1998 but never implemented. Some of the raises were close to 50 percent, brining salaries to as high as $125,000.
There was a public outcry when the V.I. Independent broke the story, and Gov. Charles W. Turnbull called upon the GERS board to rescind the raises. The governor has no control over GERS salaries since the system became a semi-autonomous agency in December.
Turnbull had stopped the raises from going through in October, before the agency gained semi-autonomy.
The GERS release said that information reported by the media was wrong, but it did not specify what reports were incorrect in what regard.
The released stated that the GERS senior staff "is a very dedicated and hard-working group of employees. These unclassified employees have not seen salary increases since 1996, although in most instances they deserved increases."
In 1998, the release continued, the board of trustees attempted to address the salary structure.
In pulling back, the board said it recognized the fiscal reality the government faces and acknowledged that other government employees are owed retroactive wages.
"However, the board feels that it must cautiously approach this issue," it said. "The board urges the community to be calm and allow the trustees to carry out their fiduciary duties."
There is some concern that, since the raises were authorized by board resolution and documentation signed by the senior staff in 1998, that the board may be required to implement the raises in order to avoid a legal action by the affected employees.
According to a Tuesday GERS release, the board has temporarily put the increases on hold until the trustees meet again on Feb. 8 to make their final decision.
In December the GERS board voted to reinstate hefty pay raises that had been granted to top administrators in 1998 but never implemented. Some of the raises were close to 50 percent, brining salaries to as high as $125,000.
There was a public outcry when the V.I. Independent broke the story, and Gov. Charles W. Turnbull called upon the GERS board to rescind the raises. The governor has no control over GERS salaries since the system became a semi-autonomous agency in December.
Turnbull had stopped the raises from going through in October, before the agency gained semi-autonomy.
The GERS release said that information reported by the media was wrong, but it did not specify what reports were incorrect in what regard.
The released stated that the GERS senior staff "is a very dedicated and hard-working group of employees. These unclassified employees have not seen salary increases since 1996, although in most instances they deserved increases."
In 1998, the release continued, the board of trustees attempted to address the salary structure.
In pulling back, the board said it recognized the fiscal reality the government faces and acknowledged that other government employees are owed retroactive wages.
"However, the board feels that it must cautiously approach this issue," it said. "The board urges the community to be calm and allow the trustees to carry out their fiduciary duties."
There is some concern that, since the raises were authorized by board resolution and documentation signed by the senior staff in 1998, that the board may be required to implement the raises in order to avoid a legal action by the affected employees.
GERS BOARD TO ROLL BACK SALARY INCREASES
The board of trustees of the Government Employees Retirement System has decided to roll back the salary increases given to GERS senior staff members in 1998 – at least temporarily.
The trustees announced Tuesday that the increases are on hold until they meet again, on Feb. 8, to make a final decision.
In December the board voted to reinstate hefty pay raises granted to top administrators in 1998 but never implemented. Some of the raises were close to 50 percent, bringing salaries to as high as $125,000.
There was a public outcry when the V.I. Independent broke the story and Gov. Charles W. Turnbull called upon the board to rescind the raises. The governor himself has no control over the raises since the system became a semi-autonomous agency in December.
It was, in fact, Turnbull who stopped the raises from going through in October.
GERS said Tuesday that published reports were wrong, but did not eleaborate. "The truth of the matter is that the GERS senior staff is a very dedicated and hardworking group of employees. These unclassified employees have not seen salary increases since 1996, although in most instances they deserved increases," saaid a release.
In 1998, it said, the board attempted to address the issue.
In pulling back, the board said it recognized the fiscal realities in the V.I. and acknowledged that other government employees are owed retroactive wages.
"However, the board feels that it must cautiously approach this issue, as it must in all its decisions. The board urges the community to be calm and allow the trustees to carry out their fiduciary duties."
There is some concern that the employees affected might sue if they do not get their raises, since the increases were authorized in 1998 by board resolution and senior staff members signed off on the raises.
The trustees announced Tuesday that the increases are on hold until they meet again, on Feb. 8, to make a final decision.
In December the board voted to reinstate hefty pay raises granted to top administrators in 1998 but never implemented. Some of the raises were close to 50 percent, bringing salaries to as high as $125,000.
There was a public outcry when the V.I. Independent broke the story and Gov. Charles W. Turnbull called upon the board to rescind the raises. The governor himself has no control over the raises since the system became a semi-autonomous agency in December.
It was, in fact, Turnbull who stopped the raises from going through in October.
GERS said Tuesday that published reports were wrong, but did not eleaborate. "The truth of the matter is that the GERS senior staff is a very dedicated and hardworking group of employees. These unclassified employees have not seen salary increases since 1996, although in most instances they deserved increases," saaid a release.
In 1998, it said, the board attempted to address the issue.
In pulling back, the board said it recognized the fiscal realities in the V.I. and acknowledged that other government employees are owed retroactive wages.
"However, the board feels that it must cautiously approach this issue, as it must in all its decisions. The board urges the community to be calm and allow the trustees to carry out their fiduciary duties."
There is some concern that the employees affected might sue if they do not get their raises, since the increases were authorized in 1998 by board resolution and senior staff members signed off on the raises.
