Senators Passe Bill to Repeal Executive Raises; Unanimous Vote Sets Stage for Veto Showdown

As some may have anticipated, on Wednesday lawmakers voted unanimously in favor of Bill 36-0085, which seeks to “prevent or rescind any automatic implementation of salary adjustments made pursuant to the recommendations of the Virgin Islands Public Officials Compensation Commission.”

“The Legislature cannot allow its constitutional prerogative to be eroded through procedural oversights or administrative end-runs,” declared Senate President Milton Potter. He argued that the bill, sponsored by Senator Alma Francis Heyliger, “restores the proper balance of power.”

It is expected that Governor Albert Bryan will veto the bill, but with unanimous support in the legislative chamber, lawmakers can easily override the veto. Senators have also signaled their intent to seek the intervention of the Judiciary if need be.

“This bill will likely be challenged. The executive branch may test our interpretation versus theirs in the court, and while I stand firmly on the side of the law, we must also stand firmly on the side of the people,” declared Senator Angel Bolques. He, however, advised all parties involved that “now is not the time to spend millions of dollars fighting a legal battle over raises.” According to the at-large senator, “redirecting scarce public resources to battle in court only deepens the burden on our residents and the quality of life.”

Still, Bolques insisted that the Legislature is simply doing its part to “protect the rule of law, the public trust, and the financial resources of the Government of the Virgin Islands.”

“Let us resolve this, not in a courtroom, but right here, right now, with the power of the Legislature where legislation belongs,” he urged.