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February 7, 2008
Governor deJongh commends Senators for voting for Real Property Tax Reform Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. wishes to commend the ten Senators of the 27th Legislature who voted to pass legislation reforming the Virgin Islands real property tax system. "I think the vote of the ten members who voted for the proposal before the Legislature in the Special Session on Thursday shows that they understood the need to move forward on real property tax reform without delay. I commend them for their action. After the many months that we in the Administration have grappled with this matter, I am well aware of the difficulties it presents, the many conflicting interests, and the general unpopularity of tax questions in general. This was a difficult decision that the Legislature faced and acted upon. I am gratified by the votes of Senators Davis, Dowe, Jn Baptiste, Malone, Ottley, Richards, Weber, White, Williams and Hill. Clearly these Senators understood the importance of bringing both fairness and relief to Virgin Islands property owners while funding the government's budget." Bill No. 27-0165, as amended and adopted, will be forwarded to the Governor for his further review and consideration. The Governor stated that he looked forward to reviewing the bill, but he is confident that the legislation offers improvements to the overall system of tax collection for real property owners in the Territory as it incorporates provisions intended to lessen the overall impact of the revaluation of real property in the Territory as was mandated by court order. These provisions included the first change in the rate of taxation in over seventy years, as well as increases in the exemptions long allowed taxpayers. In addition, special consideration was given to those property owners who experience a dramatic increase in their tax bills given the new revaluations. The Governor pledged to continue to work cooperatively with the Legislature on these matters in the months ahead. "I am sure that we will be called upon to improve and modify our system for taxing real property in the months and years ahead," the Governor noted. "This we know we can do, and do far better, by working together with real facts and figures, as we try to balance the burden on our taxpayers with their demands for government services and programs. The lessons learned in the passage of this legislation should aid us in this on-going challenge," the Governor concluded. |
