Anger Over VIPOCC Salary Increases as Email Contradicts Senator Francis’s Claims

Anger and frustration aimed at lawmakers and executive branch officials erupted following an announcement by Government House on Sunday that large salary increases took effect on January 1, 2025, based on a report from the V.I. Public Officials Compensation Commission (VIPOCC). The report recommends a $10,000 raise for senators, bringing their salaries to $95,000, and increases of over $40,000 for the governor and lieutenant governor, raising their salaries to $192,088 and $168,231, respectively. This occurred without any discussions in the Senate, as the 90-day window mandated by the law governing the VIPOCC's report had expired. The 90-day timeframe was intended to allow senators to review the report and decide whether to accept, reject, or amend its recommendations. Governor Albert Bryan confirmed that he received the report on August 13, 2024. The VIPOCC also confirmed that Senate President Novelle Francis and Supreme Court Chief Justice Rhys Hodge, along with VIPOCC board member...