Sen. Judy Gomez urged Gov. Charles Turnbull Friday to veto the majority's highly touted Short Term Economic Stimulus Act because of a provision that makes car insurance compulsory for the territory's motorists.
Gomez said buying insurance would be an added financial burden to residents, some of whom are owed retroactive government wages, income tax refunds and vendor payments.
"The price of insurance has escalated to such an extent that some of those residents cannot afford to purchase insurance coverage for their vehicles," Gomez said Friday in a released statement.
The Economic Stimulus Act, a product of this year's Economic Summit, also allows cruise ships to keep their casinos open while docked in St. Thomas and adjusts a number of fees in the Lieutenant Governor's Office.
Supporters of the measure say insurance is necessary to ensure drivers involved in accidents that aren't their fault will be compensated for physical injuries and vehicle damage.
Gomez said, however, the government should focus on making roads safer. In her statement, she said the number of recent highway fatalities shows there is a need for better street lighting, more police patrol and improved road conditions.
