Senate Scrutinizes PERB's Request for Extra $220,000 for Restructuring and Training

A request for additional funding remains a common refrain as government departments and agencies continue to cycle through the Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance this budget cycle. The latest entity to appeal for more money from the government of the Virgin Islands was the Public Employees Relations Board. Its chairperson, Pierina Jacobs Feldman, told lawmakers on Tuesday that while the PERB is “grateful for the governor's recommended budget in the amount of $1,466,909”, the entity will require an additional $220,000 to fund changes associated with an ongoing restructuring. According to Ms. Feldman, the restructuring will “improve the function of the agency” by ensuring staff are carrying out roles relevant to their job descriptions.‌ Based on their planned structural change, PERB Executive Director Jessica Philgence contended that it is “imperative that we request an additional $220,000 to ensure our agency is brought up to par with our sister agencies nationwide.” She...