Government

Bryan Blasts Veto Override of Minimum Salary Bill, Warns of Fiscal Fallout

In a sharply worded statement on Friday, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. condemned the 36th Legislature’s override of his veto on Bill No. 36-0053, calling it a reckless decision that risks undoing years of financial progress. The bill, which raises the minimum salary for government and semi-autonomous agency employees from $27,000 to $35,000 annually, was passed without what the governor describes as critical planning and financial accountability. “This is a troubling moment for our territory,” said Governor Bryan, voicing what he described as profound disappointment in the Legislature’s action. “In overriding these vetoes, the Legislature has abandoned fiscal responsibility in favor of short-term political convenience. These decisions were made without analysis, without stakeholder consultation, and with no regard for the long-term financial consequences they impose on our government and the people of the Virgin Islands.” At the center of Bryan’s objection is what he characterized as a l...