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October 23, 2007
Monies released by deJongh Administration to pay government retirees Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr said Tuesday the Office of Management and Budget has authorized the release of $4.5 million to fund a one-time lump sum cost of living bonus and for union retirees who retired in or after 1990. "Today’s funding release by the budget office is a move to address the issue of cost of living bonuses for government retirees and is consistent with the provisions of Act 6959. The release of the funds is also in keeping with my promise to resolve this issue expeditiously for retirees of the government," deJongh said. The funding authorization follows on the Senate approval of four amendments which clarified existing appropriations and made the funding available until expended. "There was a need for the clarifying legislation due to differences in the language contained in three different laws which qualified only those who retired from government service before 1990," deJongh explained. deJongh expressed his appreciation to the members of the Legislature who voted on this important issue on behalf of the retirees. “I thank everyone who has assisted us in bringing this matter to conclusion in the best interest of the retirees, those who have given years of service to the Virgin Islands Government,” deJongh said. After the Office of Management and Budget authorized the release of funding, Acting Administrator of the Government Employees Retirement System Joanne Barry was formally advised that the funding had become available. The process towards paying the retirees will continue with GERS requesting the funding from the Department of Finance and finally with distribution of the cost of living bonuses to the retirees. |
