Dept. of Labor Promises to Use $20 Million Budget Ask to Continue Workforce Development

The V.I. Dept. of Labor has pledged to utilize its FY2025 budget request of $20,145,247 to further workforce development initiatives, including competitive youth programs. This commitment comes as the Office of Management and Budget has recommended a General Fund appropriation of $13,637,468 for DOL, inclusive of the Government Insurance Miscellaneous Project. The remainder of the budget includes $6,316,058 from various federal grants and an estimated $191,722 from penalties and interest owed to the department. Labor Commissioner Gary Malloy shared a detailed breakdown of the General Fund allocation with the Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance last week, highlighting that $4,441,246 is earmarked for personnel services, with associated fringe benefits costing $4,408,343, inclusive of $2,500,000 towards employer contributions. Supplies will account for $472,902, while other services will cost $4,074,146. Utility costs are estimated at $240,831. The Government Insurance Mis...