The hot topic yesterday was Retro – the wages owed to some
government employees who were promised raises more than a decade ago but were
never paid. The total is between 270 and
300 million dollars. The Retroactive
Wage Commission held a forum last night at CAHS and hundreds came out. The process has three phases – first: identify
everyone who is owed retro, that’s done.
Some 10,376 people are entitled to money. Phase two: go through all the time records
and calculate how much is due to each person– that is nearly complete. Phase Three: develop a formula to allocate the
funds. That is coming... Some facts: retro
wages will be paid as lump sum checks, not part of existing pay checks. Retro
wages are wages, so taxes have to be withheld, GERS contributions have to be
assessed.
But who gets paid first and how much? Pay the oldest claims first? OR Give everyone
the same amount now and work out the differences later? OR Pay the smallest claimants first? OR Pay deceased
worker’s estates first OR give everyone 15% of what they are owed? One person wants
government land in lieu of cash. There were as many plans as there are voices. The
St. Croix forum is tonight at the University of the Virgin Islands Great Hall at 6:00 PM.
How is GERS doing? It has 1.077 billion in investments now,
That’s down from the peak at 1.294 billion at the end of 2006, but a lot better
than the 800 million the fund held in the bottom of the stock market crash. Here
is the really Good News – the fund has performed better over a 10 year period than
most of the nation’s pension funds have performed – better than 84% of the
pension funds. . Nevertheless – the GERS will run out of funds in 14 to 19
years unless we take action to address the unfunded liability. To maintain benefits
the present government employees would have to give 43% of their salary to the
GERS - the present contribution is 8%.
Senate Rules Committee approved a bill requiring government contractors
to hire at least 50% of their management from VI Natives or residents and 80%
of the rank and file workers from local residents. They held in committee the
Bill to allow gaming machines at the two horse race tracks. The Rules committee
approved two nominees to the Historic Preservation Commission – Rupert Pelle
and Rebecca Merwin.
Department of Tourism has launched a new Family Fun
promotion designed to entice families to
visit the Territory this summer. Families who take one room for two persons
will receive 50 percent off the price of a second room for the kids. They also get
$200 in certificates for dining and activities. Gotta book before May 31for
travel between June 1 and August 31, 2010. With the end of high season just
around the corner, Dept. of Tourism says the Family Fun promotion will attract
summer arrivals and stimulate the economy year-round. There are restrictions –
call your travel agent.
Good News from Congresswoman Donna Christensen M.D. the only
female physician in the U.S. House of Representatives. She was honored Tuesday with
the American Medical Association's top government service award for an elected
official. NBC News correspondent , Nancy Snyderman delivered the award and said
"As both a physician and delegate to Congress, Dr. Christensen has
dedicated her life's work to advancing public health. She currently chairs the
Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust and sits on the Committee on
Energy and Commerce's Health Subcommittee. Through her myriad legislative
efforts, Congresswoman Christensen is recognized as a leading voice in working
to ensure parity for the Americans in the U.S. Territories and address health inequities
that affect our nation's most vulnerable individuals and communities.
Fishermen are reminded that there is a closure of the season
on catching Mutton Snapper. The Mutton
Snapper or Virgin Snapper is spawning off the south coast of St. Croix and
fishing with pots, traps, bottom long lines
and nets is prohibited from now through June 30th.
WAPA is working on St. Croix at a 10inch valve near Holy
Cross Church on Company Street – customers from Company Street to Queen street
will be affected.
CAHS will distribute third Marking period report cards to
student in 10, 11 and 12th grades today . Parents of 9th
graders are asked to come to meet teachers on Friday at the Ruth E. Thomas
Auditorium. Progress report will be distributed and parents will receive Edline
codes and vital testing reports.
GERS Scholarship applications are available from GERS offices
and the application and support documentation must be returned by April 16.
Three scholarships up to $3,500 are available.
The Cultural Heritage Institute and the Department of
Education's Cultural Education and the Council on the Arts will host the
Territory's Fourth Annual March Music Series, titled "Tradition Meets 21st
Century". the 21st Century Band will perform a series of
public concerts: on Croix - Friday, the 5th
at 6:00 PM at the Frederiksted Beach. On St. John on Saturday, the 6th at 6:00
PM at the Cruz Bay bandstand. On St. Thomas on Sunday March 7th at 6:00
PM at Franklin Roosevelt - Veterans Memorial Park; and a final concert Tuesday,
March 9th in Emancipation Garden from 10:00 AM to noon 30.
Members of the 21st Century Band have
public and private school workshops today at St. Croix Education Complex.
Friday at Manor School. Monday at Julius Sprauve School. Wednesday, March
10th at Charlotte Amalie High School then Ivanna Eudora Kean High School in the afternoon.
21st Century Band making good news.