Government

Legislature Moves to Recommence In-Person Hearings After Year of Virtual Testimony

The 34th Legislature announced Wednesday that it will transition back to in-person hearings after a year of virtual testimony caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, with the first in-person testifiers being Governor Albert Bryan's FY 2022 budget proposal testifiers last week during the budget overview process. “As we continue to manage the Covid-19 pandemic, our transition back to in-person testimony will continue in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall, Capitol Building, St. Thomas,” said Senate President Donna Frett-Gregory, whose office issued the release announcing the change. “We have been working vigorously as a Body since this pandemic has impacted life as we know it. The Legislature continued to do the work of the people and has conducted many meetings utilizing various virtual platforms. She added, "This effort has proven to work, but it has had its challenges; however, the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall is now outfitted with plexiglass dividers for Senators and testifiers to ...