DeGraff Pushes to Repeal VIPOCC Laws After Public Officials’ Salary Increases Take Effect

Senator Dwayne DeGraff on Tuesday called on Senate President Novelle Francis to convene a special session to repeal Acts 7878 and 8384, the laws governing the V.I. Public Officials Compensation Commission (VIPOCC). In addition, DeGraff has circulated a petition among his colleagues to compel action. If the petition receives signatures from eight members, Senate President Francis would be required to call the session. DeGraff voiced strong opposition to the recent salary increases for public officials, which took effect on January 1, 2025, citing fiscal challenges and a lack of transparency in the process. Mr. DeGraff stated in a press release that he never received a copy of the VIPOCC report before it was made public in a January 6 press release from the Governor’s Office. He criticized the process, asserting that the report was not properly transmitted to the Legislature as required by law. “Considering the myriads of issues facing our territory,” DeGraff said, “implementing salary...