Government

Bryan Says VI Will ‘Never Catch Up’ on Road Repairs Without New Revenue, Pushes Road Tax Referendum, Property Reassessments, Vacation Rental Taxes, and Possible Waste Fees

When Governor Albert Bryan Jr. presented his final State of the Territory Address in January, he proposed a small income tax increase to fund road repairs and basic universal health insurance. As increasing taxes have never been favorably regarded by the population, Governor Bryan asked that his proposal be put to a referendum. Since then, there has been little to no mention of that proposal, and consequently, no action. Governor Bryan broached the matter once more during Friday’s Revenue Estimating Conference. “We have sent down two items for referendum. We haven't heard anything about it,” he said, addressing the legislators present. Among them was Senator Novelle Francis, chair of the Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance.  Governor Bryan focused on the proposed 1% income tax increase for road repairs. The collected revenue would be used to pave public and private roads not covered by federal recovery funds. “I say this because we will never catch up on road paving,” ...