[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},"mediaId",6602457,"mediaKeyId","3001315-4b7ed5818f31697f3acbf431e6779940","parentId",3001315,"title","Bill to allow taxpayers to offset taxes with government retro payments held for further review after tax office raises concerns","audioSeconds",10472,"startMs",11128000,"endMs",21600000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3001315-4b7ed5818f31697f3acbf431e6779940&start=11128&end=21600","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3001315-4b7ed5818f31697f3acbf431e6779940/thumbnail_11128000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6602457/Bill-to-allow-taxpayers-to-offset-taxes-with-government-retro-payments-held-for-further-review-after-tax-office-raises-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6602457-cc8ef8bbc83279076b0a0a64c0910e0c/orig.mp4?Expires=1775799965&Signature=PsHtaclSs4oiSgsaal5a0cFfjYnMutGTXl3XVcjZXTqIutb5xlg0jv2F0~tZVU4LvG-GlBjSPUKPuaBvJusI5HG-Ur05R6DtL2rtJsnAgORh3F3-AxIH-4vCxC9EuHAUqY1R-wqfX0I~b6T0UrtuD5FaDEJcxxTLeOEgYtXe6C6cc1o~aJbTyJfMH4ZQF2iAm1Ra2KxGHEAVopgTt6vf-NOtAGle2zXSQkYPui~eYK2UmohaU6AXcoiVnI8GWXRROmIzZMjafDBeftL4HacHhAGXoes6xYCHACuigp9t50Qc1AqmADO94FIR5cA47zEZkbBaTmXrCZjXfO4jusrnSQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Virgin Islands Legislature","date","2025-04-15T21:26:12.25Z","article","Legislators on April 15 debated a bill that would allow property owners to offset past property‑tax liabilities with amounts the Government of the Virgin Islands owes the owner. Sponsor Senator Milton E. Potter introduced the measure citing household examples in which residents owed property taxes while the government owed them retroactive pay.

What the bill would do: The measure, as introduced, would amend section 24‑94 of Title 33 of the Virgin Islands Code to permit the lieutenant governor to apply “proof of debt” — such as a certified judgment, settlement or other evidence accepted by the lieutenant governor — as a credit against delinquent property taxes owed by the taxpayer. In committee discussion, the sponsor circulated an amendment narrowing the offset to retroactive wages (retro) owed by the government to taxpayers and applying the offset to older tax debts (the amendment language was received during the hearing).

Tax office and finance concerns: Brent Lairdham (tax collector, Office of the Lieutenant Governor) testified the division does not support the bill in its present form. Lairdham and Tax Assessor Ludense Romney said the proposed offset could materially reduce real‑property revenue the government relies on, complicate the tax management system and require costly software changes. Lairdham flagged these specific concerns in testimony:
- The bill’s definition of “proof of debt” is sufficiently broad to allow many types of government obligations (including large judgments, contractor or union retro liabilities) to be applied as offsets, which could dramatically reduce collections.
- The division relies on delinquent property‑tax revenue for cash flow; an offset that reduces receipts could complicate payroll and vendor payments during lean periods.
- The existing property‑tax management system lacks the accounting features to hold and apply such credits without modification; system upgrades would require funding.

Numbers discussed in committee: Officials and OMB staff cited territory figures during the hearing. The tax office said historical annual delinquent property‑tax collections have been roughly $33 million; a post‑audit figure cited in committee materials showed a delinquent property‑tax balance of about $87.9 million in 2022 rising to roughly $124 million by March 2025. OMB cited retroactive obligations to government employees in excess of $100 million in some remarks; witnesses warned that offsets tied to those obligations could have substantial fiscal consequences if they were posted against delinquent taxes without a funding mechanism.

Sponsor’s view and amendment: Sponsor Potter said the bill was intended as a practical remedy for homeowners (he cited an elderly St. John homeowner who owed taxes while the government owed her wages) and to reduce government liabilities by clearing legitimate debts. After consultations with the lieutenant governor’s office, the sponsor circulated and described an amendment limiting offsets to retroactive wage obligations and focusing on older tax debts to avoid incentivizing nonpayment of current taxes.

Committee action: Senator Duane DeGraff moved to hold the bill in committee for further study; the motion was seconded and carried by roll call. Tax office staff asked that Office of Management and Budget and the Department of Finance be invited to provide fuller analysis and cost estimates so the committee can weigh revenue impacts, system costs and appropriate guardrails.

Ending: The committee held the measure for further review and asked staff to produce a thorough fiscal and systems impact analysis; senators suggested possible guardrails (caps, time limits or source restrictions) should the bill move forward.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","04-15-2025 | Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance","oneSentenceSummary","A bill that would let property owners offset property‑tax liabilities with amounts the government owes them was held April 15 for further review after tax‑office and finance officials warned it could reduce collections, require costly system changes and raise auditing questions.","taxTitle","Committees\t, Legislative, Virgin Islands, International","taxId",17312,"location","","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6602466,"Virgin Islands Diabetes Center asks Legislature for $1.5 million to sustain and expand services",5655,3838000,9493000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3001315-4b7ed5818f31697f3acbf431e6779940&start=3838&end=9493","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3001315-4b7ed5818f31697f3acbf431e6779940/thumbnail_3838000.jpg","/articles/6602466/Virgin-Islands-Diabetes-Center-asks-Legislature-for-15-million-to-sustain-and-expand-services","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6602466-b659798e142f768d80dbfb071fa641c9/orig.mp4?Expires=1775799965&Signature=MlSTgrYbCHM-W2d1p5nBkWdrwR5zp8qh-KyNn1Ijzu4J6RPrzEb7ROPaPqgaN6o93WWWWcRQmmtHR~42CF3Eca-7NP9JcGpgmoUjEI2~ijwNwKkfkzF9SfklHK-rDrBytB3UY4Yhghv4HPxZwMJTU0XNgsp-vxocbBewj2EdDDTXdBtVDOsalIC6q046asZA0QXm32Nfe1VJIdv6Q3-uiZux29mjuZmF8hZhwi~OisPHu7CwLl~IeCRoNy8chFXCgtoqlh21U-HootrbOi6yyI44khVTvO-VK4~B4eqNAKkFteqa-LoD5OP0RQ5M80NNUvZN86vVl8JX44qndursfw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Virgin Islands Diabetes Center of Excellence (VIDCO) asked the Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance on April 15 for $1.5 million to sustain operations and expand clinical and community services across the territory.

VIDCO Executive Director Julia Sheen told senators that the nonprofit provided services to more than 2,301 diabetes patients in the past year through monthly outreach, chronic care management, nutrition and medication-management programs. Sheen said 77% of VIDCO patients have type 2 diabetes, 21% have prediabetes and 2% have type 1 diabetes. She said 63% of VIDCO patients are uninsured, underinsured, on Medicaid or on Medicare and that the center uses grant funding and billing to cover operations.

VIDCO’s request calls for $1,500,000 in local funding to “sustain current operations and expand critical services such as pediatric endocrinology, podiatry and community outreach,” Sheen said. She provided a rough breakdown in testimony: 50% for direct patient care, 43% for preventive programs and 7% for administrative and operational costs.

Why the request matters: Senators and VIDCO staff said stronger outpatient diabetes care and prevention could lower uncompensated hospital care, decrease long‑term costs from complications such as dialysis and amputations, and improve population health. Sheen said remote patient monitoring and a recent rollout of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) — donated through partnerships — had produced promising improvements among patients with uncontrolled diabetes.

What VIDCO described doing now
- Clinical teams on both islands: nurse practitioners and medical assistants on St. Croix and St. Thomas; visiting specialists including an endocrinologist, ophthalmologist and podiatrist; telemedicine support for specialty care.
- Mobile health initiative: a newly purchased mobile unit and an ADA‑compliant six‑passenger van to transport patients and run community screenings.
- Prevention and education: CDC‑recognized Prevent Type 2 program, school screening planned for May 8 for 4th–5th graders on St. Croix, grocery store “walk‑through” events and monthly virtual nutrition/medication classes.
- Partnerships: Howard University (endocrinology), Freestyle Libre (CGMs), University of the Virgin Islands (cooking classes), UnitedHealthcare (wellness initiatives) and territory health agencies.

Outcomes VIDCO cited: Sheen said 80% of patients with uncontrolled diabetes have seen improvements in A1C levels since the remote-monitoring initiative began; examples included individual A1C reductions (e.g., a St. Croix patient from 10.2% to 7.2%, a St. Thomas patient from 12.6% to 6.9%). Sheen said at an August 2024 health fair, 8 of 39 screened patients had referable diabetic retinopathy and 5 had vision‑threatening retinopathy, underscoring the value of screening.

Questions from senators: Committee members pressed for sustainability details, payer mix, current grant funding and staffing costs. VIDCO said Medicaid covers about 18.8% of patients, Medicare 43.5% and 5.9% have no insurance; Sheen said VIDCO currently has roughly $500,000 in federal funds (including ARPA dollars) with about $200,000 of ARPA remaining. Sheen said VIDCO employs six full‑time staff and uses 14 contracted providers; total annual operating expenses were described to senators as about $1.587 million.

On billing and collections: VIDCO said it began billing in the past year and reported approximately $70,000 in receivables and a goal to increase billing revenue to about $350,000. Senators asked about payer mix and outstanding receivables; VIDCO said most reimbursement now comes from Medicare and Medicaid.

Senators also asked about program outreach to SNAP/WIC and the Department of Human Services, engagement with housing communities, and longer‑term sustainability. VIDCO said it is aggressively pursuing grants, billing for services, cultivating donors and planning fundraising.

What the committee did: The presentation drew lengthy questions but no formal committee action specific to VIDCO’s request was recorded in the transcript. Senators asked for more budget breakdown details and a sustainability plan.

Looking ahead: VIDCO said it will move its St. Croix site to the Sign Farm Shopping Center on April 25, plans an open house, will roll out a CGM program funded through partnership grants and seeks legislative support to continue and expand services.

Ending: VIDCO’s testimony closed with a request for continued local support to maintain and expand services that staff and physicians told the committee can reduce hospitalizations and prevent severe diabetes complications.","The Virgin Islands Diabetes Center of Excellence asked the Legislature’s Budget, Appropriations and Finance Committee for $1.5 million to keep clinics open, expand pediatric endocrinology and increase mobile outreach after telling senators it served more than 2,300 patients last year.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6602452,"Senator seeks to raise maximum judgment against GVI from $25,000 to $150,000; League supports increase, OMB urges analysis",9503,12217000,21720000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3001315-4b7ed5818f31697f3acbf431e6779940&start=12217&end=21720","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3001315-4b7ed5818f31697f3acbf431e6779940/thumbnail_12217000.jpg","/articles/6602452/Senator-seeks-to-raise-maximum-judgment-against-GVI-from-25000-to-150000-League-supports-increase-OMB-urges-analysis","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6602452-2575834d4c1a59a2d06d089e99bc38c0/orig.mp4?Expires=1775799965&Signature=gi7nq3ytQWcjltJEAKGydNBcJsJ1HOT2Z64FdlWY~CwJRct29I9raaZlcnleHBSP5GYKZ~kyJiN5ZXrhA09OFVDFhmLjJLxYUc6UHsBLMUhVpLDx-2vnLpE2aqxhD46mQ9jlmoTEyKvOSfkmpvfQYu2rJsyOmQJHoqazDp0FkTwwkbRz-xtTrWOKKZY41dFNxR6a-aZzgFaONe2DHHOnLhvGmYiM~GHemi59qyM3nvE0P4BVn-KNJs~jZaP3EbxoIlaxJkHudMCKIV6rSgfzu8FEgfG4tS6R7N9AE9s~tbSUz6uHq-ZLvwK-nYpiq-dXa36MTuNCUHoRuV4pGGieQA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senator Alma Francis Heiliger presented legislation on April 15 to raise the cap on maximum judgments against the Government of the Virgin Islands from $25,000 to $150,000. The increase would change the maximum award for damages in actions against the territorial government.

Sponsor rationale: Senator Francis Heiliger said the $25,000 ceiling has stood for roughly 40 years and no longer reflects inflation or modern litigation costs. She cited comparisons with other states (examples discussed in committee included Florida, Colorado and Idaho) and said raising the cap would better compensate claimants and could create stronger incentives for careful government performance.

Witnesses and comments: The League of Women Voters told the committee it supports raising the ceiling but did not take a position on the exact cap; the League also asked questions about the funding source for awards and whether government insurance terms should be adjusted. League testimony noted it was unable to complete its own comparative survey in time for the hearing but supported the principle of increasing the ceiling.

OMB and fiscal concerns: Office of Management and Budget staff cautioned that raising the cap would materially increase the government’s contingent liabilities and that budgeted funds for judgments remain constrained. OMB noted the FY25 appropriation for large judgments (greater than $25,000) was $250,000 and said raising the ceiling could increase pressure on future appropriations or insurance arrangements.

Committee action: Senators discussed compromise options and invited further input from the Department of Justice and insurance administrators to clarify likely fiscal impacts and coverage arrangements. The committee voted to hold the bill pending additional testimony and analysis.

Ending: The League and the sponsor said they were open to continuing the discussion to identify an appropriate new cap and to understand how the government would fund increased awards. The committee requested follow‑up testimony and analysis before any final recommendation.","Senator Alma Francis Heiliger moved April 15 to raise the maximum judgment against the Government of the Virgin Islands from $25,000 to $150,000; the committee held the bill to gather more fiscal and legal analysis.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":46,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6602461,"Committee holds NOAA lease for telecommunications tower at Nazareth for further review",10929,10671000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3001315-4b7ed5818f31697f3acbf431e6779940&start=10671&end=21600","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3001315-4b7ed5818f31697f3acbf431e6779940/thumbnail_10671000.jpg","/articles/6602461/Committee-holds-NOAA-lease-for-telecommunications-tower-at-Nazareth-for-further-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6602461-1add764c78185817a564f5890e65d6cb/orig.mp4?Expires=1775799965&Signature=a5Zirq3R3XT4Q3Y96O98D8BNhWhlymTdLXoasbnhUvtkx7vKeiuhSHqEcM7D3~rtoIo2WrP0BlFwoEpJ8Z3EgOcNIbT6tMR8b-GSWEC~M-EA~BnunxAYNXH4szUMXWZJUZEidIMoa6K3fMLyVXgwxnSZhgHFcsXKrItV05bqZnBbSBZJuZlucjHY2HkHZ6zGadpRZmXFrn6tRR31f7QGl~NwAvguLgE~~LaKUsIOoaR3bAVB4jS4kCIA4Sp8NUSdz9GkWtxk0~IB6ZLQL4lHe6UpWZxX~ShjYlbku0kbaQ4a8NYd4LFRCkKcjyPihL4OXrBwaEUNnKnXV365g2iq6w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance on April 15 voted to hold for further review a proposed lease that would allow the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to mount equipment on a telecommunications tower at Parcel R‑22, Tract 1, Estate Nazareth No. 1, Red Hook Quarter, St. Thomas.

Sponsor and purpose: Senator Milton E. Potter, presenting the bill on behalf of the governor, described the agreement as a territorial benefit for weather and emergency broadcast communications. The lease authorizes NOAA to use a portion of an existing telecommunication tower “for transmission and reception of weather broadcast communications and emergency broadcast communications,” subject to NOAA obtaining any required permits and compatible zoning.

Key terms in testimony: Assistant Commissioner Vincent Richards of the Department of Property and Procurement said the proposed lease term is 20 years and the annual rent is $1,200 ($100 per month). The lease text cited in committee testimony makes the U.S. government “self‑insured” and places responsibility on NOAA for permits, licenses and any rezoning necessary to operate on the premises. Richards told senators the lease requires legislative approval under territorial law.

Questions and concerns: Senators asked whether the tower hosts multiple antennas and what kind of environmental or health impacts — if any — would be associated with NOAA equipment. Property and Procurement staff said the tower already supports communications infrastructure for emergency services and cell providers, and that the equipment NOAA would attach measures atmospheric data (wind speed, wind direction, barometric pressure, temperature) useful for forecasts and emergency planning. The assistant commissioner deferred technical questions about radio frequencies and potential health effects to subject‑matter specialists.

Committee action: Senator Ray Fonseca moved to hold the bill in committee for further review; the motion was seconded by Senator Marvin Blyden and carried on a roll call recorded in the hearing. The committee clerk recorded the motion as “held in committee.”

Context: Witnesses said the tower’s equipment contributes to territory weather forecasting and emergency preparedness. The committee also noted the need to ensure required permits, zoning and interagency coordination (for example, VITEMA and planning authorities) before final approval.

Ending: Committee members requested further review of permits, zoning compatibility, any community health questions and coordination with VITEMA and other agencies before the measure is returned to the committee for a final recommendation.","A proposed 20‑year lease allowing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to use a portion of an existing telecommunications tower in Nazareth, St. Thomas drew procedural approval to hold the measure for further review. The lease would charge NOAA $100 per month and requires NOAA to obtain necessary permits and zoning approvals.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Bill to allow taxpayers to offset taxes with government retro payments held for further review after tax office raises concerns

Virgin Islands Diabetes Center asks Legislature for $1.5 million to sustain and expand services

Senator seeks to raise maximum judgment against GVI from $25,000 to $150,000; League supports increase, OMB urges analysis

Committee holds NOAA lease for telecommunications tower at Nazareth for further review