USVI – In what appears to be a rapidly escalating battle between Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and the 36th Legislature, Government House issued a statement after the Legislature, in a Special Session called by the Governor, buried two reforms essential to pension stability, fair elections for public servants and long-term fiscal health; and unanimously rejected his Insurance Bill that would have established a special committee that would issue a Request for Proposal to evaluate the merits of a self-funded group health and dental insurance plan for government employees.
“The lawmakers in the 36th Legislature on Friday, August 1, 2025, voted to send Bill No. 36 0124 and Bill No. 36 0125 to committee rather than debate or vote on them. That choice shields legislators from public accountability and puts self-interest ahead of critical change,” said the Government House statement.
“Bill No. 36 0124 would have lifted the rule forcing public employees to take six months of leave before they can run for office. Under the Governor’s version they would keep their job so long as they do not campaign on the clock or use public assets. That reform opens public service to working people who cannot sacrifice pay or insurance to serve.
“A failed version of the same idea, Bill No. 35 0032, never got a second in the previous legislature. This session’s measure was rewritten to match the Governor’s proposal. Yet lawmakers quietly removed it from the agenda again. That shows this rule serves incumbents and shuts out new voices.
“Few government workers have six months of leave saved. Running for office can mean exhausting years of accumulated leave and taking unpaid days. That sacrifices income, insurance and family security for the privilege of being heard. Legislators know that burden.
“Bill No. 36 0125 would have ended the double-dipping by current and former Senators. It would have prevented them from collecting a full pension, earning a salary and building a new pension from the same system at the same time. That practice drains GERS and undermines integrity. Instead of reform, lawmakers stalled the bill.
“Earlier this year, the Legislature passed Bill No. 36 0032 admitting pension reform for elected officials was needed to save money. Yet when faced with reforms that would affect their own situations lawmakers walked away.
“On October 1 GERS will face a 3 percent hike in employer contributions. That means an extra $12 million to $14 million a year, based on systems actuarial study (source: GERS Board writes of October delay and $14 million burden from Governor’s letter; line 10-12 of viconsortium Nov 19 2024 article). Without reform the burden will fall on services, jobs or taxes.
“Meanwhile Governor Bryan secured a permanent rum cover over rate of $13.25 per proof gallon (source: Trump signs permanent rate July 2025 story: lines 11-17). That revenue will boost pension funding, schools and basic services. That win for stability should have been a reason to act locally, not an excuse to do nothing. “This is not leadership,” the Governor concluded. “It is a preservation of perks. These bills affected Senator’s take home pay, retirement benefits and political advantage. They put themselves ahead of public interest. Government House will continue pushing for fairness, transparency, and true accountability in pensions and elections. Virgin Islanders need leaders who put Territory before themselves. We will not stop until every Virgin Islander has a fair shot and public service works for everyone.”
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