USVI – Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has announced his intent to call the 36th Legislature into special session within the next three weeks to consider three legislative proposals that address equity in governance, public access to service, and responsible management of taxpayer resources.
The Governor’s agenda includes reforms to health insurance, government compensation practices, and election policy. Each proposal focuses on creating a more transparent, fair, and functional public service system.
“These are not partisan matters. They are issues of fairness and sound governance,” Governor Bryan said. “If there is a need to reform salaries or pensions, we should do so in a way that is even-handed and does not single out any group. Public trust depends on our ability to lead with transparency and consistency.”
The proposals to be considered during the special session are as follows:
1. Health Insurance Reform for Government Employees and Retirees
Governor Bryan is proposing the creation of a Government Health Insurance Reform Task Force. The Task Force will issue a request for proposals from national insurance carriers such as Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and United Healthcare to provide coverage for government employees and retirees.
The government will continue to fund the insurance, but the proposed reform aims to secure higher quality and more cost-effective coverage without disrupting anyone’s access to their Doctor’s care.
Since this past May, Governor Bryan has urged lawmakers to hold hearings and begin discussions about controlling the rising cost of health insurance. Those requests have not resulted in action.
The Governor’s call for a special session follows confirmation from the Government Employees Service Commission Health Insurance Board that premiums for active employees and non-Medicare retirees will rise significantly in the next fiscal year. The projected increase will add more than $30 million to the government’s total insurance costs, bringing the overall annual expense above $190 million.
“We must act now. These costs are unsustainable and threaten our ability to deliver essential services while protecting our workers,” Gov. Bryan said.
2.Advancing Equity in Government Compensation
Governor Bryan will introduce legislation that prohibits members of the Legislature from receiving both a government salary and a government annuity while accruing additional retirement benefits.
Currently, nine sitting Senators receive both compensation streams. This practice is not available to other public servants and places an unnecessary burden on the government’s finances. Among those Senators are: Milton Potter, Kenneth Gittens, Kurt Vialet, Dwayne DeGraff, and Franklin Johnson.
“This is not about punishing anyone. This is about ensuring that government compensation policies are fair and financially responsible,” Gov. Bryan stated. “If we are going to have a conversation about public salaries and pensions, we must have one that applies across all branches and positions.”
3.Removing Barriers to Running for Office
Governor Bryan will also propose legislation to eliminate the requirement that government employees take six months of leave before running for elected office.
This rule prevents many qualified individuals from seeking public office and gives a financial advantage to those who already receive retirement income or have other private means.
“What is good for the good, should be good for the gander. Virgin Islanders should not have to sacrifice their accrued leave in order to serve their community,” Gov. Bryan said. “This policy discourages participation and creates an unfair advantage. It is time to change it.”
Governor Bryan said the upcoming special session presents an opportunity for the Legislature to demonstrate leadership and a shared commitment to fairness.
“These proposals reflect our responsibility to the people of the Virgin Islands. We must be willing to address the issues that affect them directly, even when those issues are difficult or uncomfortable.
Public service should never be about self-preservation. It must always be about service to the people,” Governor Bryan concluded.
Leave a Reply