[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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",6657598,"mediaKeyId","5070652-5787a6b60fb4ef8d83104e1161126cbc","parentId",5070652,"title","Committee holds bill to require Public Finance Authority subsidiaries to join GERS after testimony","audioSeconds",7535,"startMs",10895000,"endMs",18430000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5070652-5787a6b60fb4ef8d83104e1161126cbc&start=10895&end=18430","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5070652-5787a6b60fb4ef8d83104e1161126cbc/thumbnail_10895000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6657598/Committee-holds-bill-to-require-Public-Finance-Authority-subsidiaries-to-join-GERS-after-testimony","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6657598-574b5eba3b65729cadcc7a4a93bb0253/orig.mp4?Expires=1775273467&Signature=LCFWHi2~FB9W1c0VNN4j4CxQKrc~pXr-gvIaTkqBGzIRJ5k18PtYqIaxlMsfM6pzGli7WjDJekZgjwoevaMDh8hUAuse8S8pmfx1sjCwZV4t-6d-v61Gqc~U1venbDLdDDfYMC2D9UyxfK~Y2Yj-DfEgaVZizGSfuO04ZYvv3Xo4ZaGGC4et1E7MUMUl-g1a6p5ViTQ7rldj298OugeZKJ6Quj3Yn6-XQTYZFEk03iIWhxYdHh0zqPdCvteiF8PkQbeZmBm9eKNOX8L0AJ3TT3pu4Qd7KUBZ05qSIbWSKgyx2KLTix~AfLxQ4txOu5XnjHUplNtubau34tzhsVCCsw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Virgin Islands Legislature","date","2025-06-23T18:57:09Z","article","The Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs and Consumer Protection held at the call of the chair a bill (36‑0066) that would require officials and employees of the Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority (PFA) and its wholly owned subsidiaries to be members of the Government Employees Retirement System (GERS).

Senator Alma Francis Heiliger introduced the bill, which would add section 928A to Title 29, Chapter 15 of the Virgin Islands Code. Administrator Angel E. Dawson and GERS representatives testified in support of the bill’s spirit; Dawson noted court rulings classifying certain PFA subsidiaries as public corporations and the system’s interest in extending membership and contributions to employees of subsidiaries. Dawson and the GERS board asked that contribution timing match existing pay‑period rules and recommended applying the statute prospectively, with an opt‑in for long‑tenured employees.

Representatives of the Public Finance Authority and two subsidiaries—Virgin Islands Next Generation Network (VINGN) and West Indian Company Limited (WICO)—testified to oppose mandatory, retroactive inclusion. Director Nathan Simmons (PFA) and VINGN’s president Steven Adams and controller Alisa G. Hodge said the subsidiaries operate as separate legal entities with distinct finances and argued mandatory GERS participation could create untenable employer contribution obligations and jeopardize ongoing operations. VINGN said 18 of its 24 employees participate in a SIMPLE IRA (Fidelity) with a 3% employer match and said forced GERS membership (employee contribution and employer match rates in statute) would raise employer costs dramatically — testimony estimated the employer match difference could exceed $500,000 annually for VINGN alone and the company said the obligation could force layoffs or undermine planned infrastructure investment.

Senators and witnesses discussed options: sponsor Senator Francis Heiliger said she would offer an amendment to make the requirement prospective (applying to new hires) and to allow current, vested employees (roughly 10+ years service) to opt in if they wish. PFA said it did not support language that would force PFA to make payments on behalf of subsidiaries; it suggested subsidiaries should remain responsible for contributions. Several senators noted the broader policy goal—improving GERS solvency by expanding membership—but also acknowledged operational concerns raised by the subsidiaries’ representatives.

Action: After extended discussion and receipt of written testimony, Senator Francis Heiliger moved to hold Bill 36‑0066 at the call of the chair; the motion was seconded and the committee ordered the bill held pending further work and amendments. The hearing record shows the bill held in committee rather than reported out. The sponsor said she will circulate amendments that narrow the bill to prospective application with opt‑in rights for existing vested employees.

Why it matters: The question balances GERS expansion and long‑term funding stability against near‑term financial burdens on semi‑autonomous public corporations whose business models and current retirement arrangements differ from central government agencies. The committee deferred action to allow targeted amendments that aim to address operational and fiscal concerns raised by PFA and subsidiary testimony.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","06-23-2025 Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs and Consumer Protection","oneSentenceSummary","Lawmakers held a bill that would require officials and employees of the Public Finance Authority’s subsidiaries to be members of GERS after testimony from PFA, VINGN and WICO about financial and operational impacts; sponsor signaled an amendment to narrow the change to future hires and opt‑in for current employees.","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},6657604,"Committee approves changes to speed disability annuity approvals at GERS",7685,10936000,18621000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5070652-5787a6b60fb4ef8d83104e1161126cbc&start=10936&end=18621","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5070652-5787a6b60fb4ef8d83104e1161126cbc/thumbnail_10936000.jpg","/articles/6657604/Committee-approves-changes-to-speed-disability-annuity-approvals-at-GERS","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6657604-e0324541bd147d9939e2620a29f02fb1/orig.mp4?Expires=1775273467&Signature=gLKWy1YwhO2Q~G6WthzyBjMz0cHUg-90tsvK34nFdu7Rnxz4Sj0Xz21MDbwANAGshSUPs8iAzejKcbqZ-n8sYLJ42YQPtUIiauuFIo3CbkvpFKsOptOBjvAzdXwF03dyt7atEeHGgL2lANnTN1wQZ0S7si50NnEzGlZaOIy7AyW2VaDiexiaq4Wty~Db5HRggbWxz-k3hkdePPyxI5Et~yZiBRAcT5NrNFm237fmsfnY41xi8e1iVLnf9WvmnJCVycAROp2vLBn1yJjt9J31z8vpvlj7OKfbwf7HzmAPQ2kkdUr7j1jaF19tXR-5o3JyxbRR2m8MtdJ9CTq4HBVNSQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The committee voted June 23 to report favorably a bill that would streamline approval procedures for disability annuities administered by the Government Employees Retirement System (GERS).

Sponsor Senator Milton E. Potter introduced Bill 36‑0012, which would amend Title 3, Chapter 27 of the Virgin Islands Code to allow cases certified by a requisite number of GERS‑selected physicians to bypass the Committee of Medical Review. Dwayne Cowood, chairman of the GERS board of trustees, told the committee that the change would create a “fast track” for clear‑cut cases and reduce the time applicants wait to begin receiving annuities. Cowood said hearings and committee review can be costly and time consuming; he estimated committee hearings carry significant administrative costs and that streamlining could save months for applicants.

Administrator Angel E. Dawson and GERS staff testified in support. They described the current practice in which system‑selected physicians examine applicants, produce reports and those reports are then reviewed by the medical review committee which interviews applicants and makes recommendations to the GERS board. Under the proposed change, if the required number of GERS‑selected physicians conclude in favor of the applicant, the application may bypass the medical review committee step and move directly toward annuity initiation, while cases without such consensus would retain the existing review.

Committee members supported the change as a way to reduce delays for applicants in vulnerable financial situations. The committee approved amendment language (substituting “any” for “all” in two places and clarifying the medical review committee reference) and voted to report the bill favorably; the clerk recorded seven yeas on the roll call. The committee’s action forwards the amended bill to Rules and Judiciary for further consideration.

Why it matters: GERS disability annuities support employees who cannot work because of medical conditions. Trustees and staff argued the change preserves due process while reducing unnecessary administrative steps and cost for clearly documented disability cases.","The committee voted to advance legislation to allow certain clear‑cut GERS disability annuity cases to bypass the medical review committee, shortening processing times and reducing administrative costs.",{"_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},6657608,"Committee endorses resolution commending National Conference of State Legislatures on 50th anniversary",5516,4383000,9899000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5070652-5787a6b60fb4ef8d83104e1161126cbc&start=4383&end=9899","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5070652-5787a6b60fb4ef8d83104e1161126cbc/thumbnail_4383000.jpg","/articles/6657608/Committee-endorses-resolution-commending-National-Conference-of-State-Legislatures-on-50th-anniversary","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6657608-7f72a8c961542ac3f7ccf20a13a646b4/orig.mp4?Expires=1775273467&Signature=nSHCY8InMezcqUeE7jPOdO7UmFfN5-EUEshdbJlLpd8InGjjSkijqy-Gl7mVU4~ccussBdmekRhK5n~nwoxX~euezkedCF-13cUTowhEFRoOke9RG2I077JLKFobWE4cuX3ZALPjE9I5trgrrqGELXsKg49AKeK82SP67RzRTF17ZhAvvFlogJQBinfBeLvpwBaAqDWL-dNso59ArUGx3zudALNYlan3JCn1Yk-3YTLTAODqNMUDf8oLDId0YNvZUBwCKNvbDUy8xZjVcseTSGvjLhTCg2gMJf8xnzJa1bS5WboL8dWRZs~K4VbCccpjvm1S2OKXxtI3P~x8ElZ4qQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The committee voted June 23 to report favorably a resolution commending the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) on its fiftieth anniversary and recognizing the organization’s contributions to legislative research and comparative policymaking.

Senate President Milton E. Potter introduced Resolution 36‑0097, saying NCSL “provides invaluable research on complex policy issues, comparative state analysis, and evidence‑based policy recommendations,” which the territory uses to inform legislation on health care, education and economic development. Potter urged colleagues to consider the resolution favorably ahead of the NCSL annual conference in August.

The committee received no opposing testimony. Senators expressed support for the resolution’s recognition of an organization the Legislature uses for policy research and technical assistance. Senator Carla J. Joseph and others stated they would support the measure.

Action: Senator Ray Fonseca moved the resolution be favorably reported and forwarded to Rules and Judiciary; the motion was seconded and the roll call recorded seven yeas and no nays. The committee ordered the resolution reported favorably to Rules and Judiciary for further action.

Why it matters: Senators said NCSL’s resources assist small legislatures—such as the Virgin Islands—by providing research capacity and comparative analyses to inform policy choices. The committee’s favorable report places the resolution on the Rules and Judiciary Committee’s docket for further legislative processing.","The committee voted to report favorably a resolution recognizing the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) on its 50th anniversary after Senator Milton E. Potter described NCSL’s research support for the territory.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6657609,"Virgin Islands committee advances bill to establish annual Gun Violence Awareness Week",5568,4158000,9726000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5070652-5787a6b60fb4ef8d83104e1161126cbc&start=4158&end=9726","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5070652-5787a6b60fb4ef8d83104e1161126cbc/thumbnail_4158000.jpg","/articles/6657609/Virgin-Islands-committee-advances-bill-to-establish-annual-Gun-Violence-Awareness-Week","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6657609-acb8798616fc711e5a9451fb7ca0cc02/orig.mp4?Expires=1775273467&Signature=D3REM8m2JpiU6l-0ZJp1t3swSqg~VGKG~xt~ArBWWLJOqHi5LJ0wNN4RHngHejmQ17FMLGexj7OceUlOZ0tzRZYQ1S0dEPg6qmS4RYFppG8x3UGSQ5T7PZicN3A6Q9eKRt0uo5UHaz9gFZKfE6~-WnHuQs4mG3WQJbOYZz-ILoWr-QbZ11g1H0edxRGi2L~5dgxVJyaechlIabLi~M3J0BQThiNCe6c6jXu~UPDM7QKyiNjS4oUJTmyyxVI0WH2F78LGd6BusalgqAaX9vmOqbmIX66j8lAyWguLg5SAjAEdXboUZyLn6ENsBTeB~SoFI2~9vISfiFCAAHkl91Wg9A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs and Consumer Protection voted June 23 to report favorably a bill to designate a Virgin Islands Gun Violence Awareness Week, to begin the Monday before the first Friday in June. Sponsor Senator Angel L. Bocas Jr. introduced the measure as an action-oriented observance tied to national awareness efforts.

The bill, introduced by Senator Angel L. Bocas Jr., would add section 200M to Title 1, Chapter 11 of the Virgin Islands Code to declare the week beginning the Monday before the first Friday in June as Virgin Islands Gun Violence Awareness Week. “This bill is not ceremonial. It is a call to remembrance, a call to intervention, and a call to action,” Bocas said during his presentation, citing recent shootings across the territory and urging a “long term holistic approach” to violence prevention.

The Office of Gun Violence Prevention’s executive director, Antonio Emmanuel, testified in support. He described ongoing year‑round outreach and prevention work and said a designated week would “help influence government agencies, community organizations, and other stakeholders to focus on creating effective outreach, public service announcements, educational programs, activities or events that deter violence and assist victims.” Emmanuel described programs that range from de‑escalation training and school outreach to summer camps and community partnerships.

Committee members spoke at length about causes and responses. Senator Noble Francis Jr., Senator Franklin D. Johnson and others emphasized prevention, family and community engagement, and youth programming. Senator Ray Fonseca and others noted the fiscal and human costs of firearm violence and urged a communitywide response. Several senators cited recent homicide counts discussed during the hearing; the numbers reported in the meeting included different tallies (Senator Bocas referenced 18 homicides as of mid‑June 2025; the clerk later cited a VIPD figure of 9 in Saint Thomas, 10 in Saint Croix and 2 in Saint John). Those differing counts were discussed on the record during the hearing.

Action: Senator Carla J. Joseph moved to favorably report the bill and forward it to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary; the motion was seconded and approved by recorded roll call. The clerk recorded seven yeas and no nays. The committee’s favorable vote sends the bill to Rules and Judiciary for further consideration.

Why it matters: Senators described the proposal as an added tool to concentrate outreach, coordinate agency and non‑profit activity and provide visible support for survivors. Supporters framed the week as intended to elevate prevention and community‑healing programs while emphasizing that the Office of Gun Violence Prevention will continue its work year‑round.

The committee also received correspondence from Police Commissioner Mario M. Brooks expressing departmental support though he could not attend in person. The office and senators said the week would be used to coordinate events such as vigils, forums, and community service activities, and to highlight existing services like emergency rental and homeowner assistance mentioned earlier in the hearing.

The committee’s report will move the bill to the Rules and Judiciary Committee, which will determine next steps in the legislative process.","The Government Operations Committee voted to forward legislation establishing an annual Virgin Islands Gun Violence Awareness Week to the Rules and Judiciary Committee after testimony from the Office of Gun Violence Prevention and discussion among senators.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee holds bill to require Public Finance Authority subsidiaries to join GERS after testimony

Committee approves changes to speed disability annuity approvals at GERS

Committee endorses resolution commending National Conference of State Legislatures on 50th anniversary

Virgin Islands committee advances bill to establish annual Gun Violence Awareness Week