USVI Lawmakers Approve Slew of Bills During Session, Incl Measure to Make Salary Increases Permanent

ST. THOMAS — Senators who make up the 32nd Legislature met for what may be one of the body’s last sessions as election season takes hold and campaigning kicks into high gear, approving well over a dozen measures and giving the affirmative nod to two Horse Racing Commission nominees chosen by Governor Kenneth Mapp for the St. Croix District, along with one individual for the St. Thomas-St. John District.

Among the measures approved was Bill No. 32-0237- An Act amending Title 3 V.I. Code, Chapter 25, Subchapter V, Section 555b to provide for minimum wage for employees of the Government of the Virgin Islands and its semi-autonomous agencies and independent instrumentalities.

If this sounds familiar, it’s because the legislation is selfsame with an executive order Mr. Mapp issued raising the base pay and minimum wage of government employees. Senators, however, said their measure would assure that Mr. Mapp does not revoke the executive order once the election season is over. The governor has never indicated he would take such action, and has said the funds to cover the increases were already provided for in the budget, and new dollars spurred by economic growth in the construction industry, along with the opening of the oil refinery on St. Croix through the Limetree Bay Terminals agreement, would ensure sustainability.

Even so, lawmakers said they were taking no chances.

“This bill ensures that the executive order is made into law even after the election is over,” said Senator Alicia Hansen.

Read more: https://viconsortium.com/breaking-news/lawmakers-approve-slew-of-bills-during-session-including-measure-they-say-will-make-salary-increases-implemented-by-mapp-permanent/