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“Kids Count” Data Show Complicated National and VI Mix

Mat Probasco
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“Kids Count” Data Show Complicated National and VI Mix

The Annie E. Casey Foundation released its national 2026 KIDS COUNT® Data Book on June 8. The 2026 KIDS COUNT Data Book is a 50-state report of recent household data developed by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, analyzing how children and families are faring post-pandemic.

St. Croix Foundation for Community Development

(Note that the U.S. Virgin Islands is not part of the scoring in the National KIDS COUNT Data Book, as it draws data from the American Community Survey, which is not conducted in the territory. The U.S. Virgin Islands is included in the KIDS COUNT © Data Center (https://datacenter.aecf.org/), which houses key data points on child well-being across the nation.)

For the first time this year, states receive a comprehensive score (from 0 to 1,000) in the Data Book, not just a ranking. The scores track 16 indicators in four domains — economic well-being, education, health, and family and community factors — over a five-year period from 2019 to 2024. The new scoring system shows whether policies and public investment are actually improving children’s lives, not merely how states compare to each other.

To supplement available national data, each year St. Croix Foundation’s KIDS COUNT USVI team publishes a Data Book and/or product focused specifically on the U.S. Virgin Islands that reports available data aligned with the four domains of the national Data Book. To date, St. Croix Foundation has published five Data Books/Spotlights and, in 2024, released the territory’s first online, interactive KIDS COUNT USVI Data Dashboard (www.stxfoundation.org/kids-count-dashboard/).

In her introductory letter to the 2026 KIDS COUNT Data Book, AECF President and Chief Executive Officer Lisa M. Lawson emphasized the importance of having access to current, meaningful data in order to assess progress, set priorities and budgets, plan services, and develop policy solutions. This is a critical issue that the KIDS COUNT USVI Team has highlighted during each of its recent publications, noting challenges such as omission from some national data sets (e.g., American Community Survey); lags in the release of collected data; outdated data collection and tracking systems; and a lack of coordinated systems for sharing and analyzing information across agencies.

St. Croix Foundation’s KIDS COUNT USVI data shows that many of the national trends documented by the Annie E. Casey Foundation are visible in the USVI locally — and in some cases more acutely so. Between 2019 and 2024, local data reveal a mixed picture of Bright Spots and Hot Spots:

  • In Economic Well-Being, the unemployment rate dropped from 6% to 4%, although average hourly wages remained 24% lower than the national U.S. average.
  • Public school graduation rates have increased significantly, from 70.9% to 81%, and there was an encouraging increase in student ELA scores, resulting in the highest percentage of proficient students for tested grade levels since SY 2020-21. In math, however, the overall scores and percentage of students proficient were lower than in SY 2020-21.
  • 546 students have dropped out of the public school system between the 2020-21 school year and the 2023-24 school year, resulting in dropout rates between 2.2 and 4 percent per year for those school years.
  • In Health, the Virgin Islands Department of Health (VIDOH) reported that, in 2023, the fertility rate had decreased, and the overall number of live births continued to decrease along with the overall USVI population. Also in 2023, the VIDOH reported the percentage of babies born at low birthweight to be 5.3%.
  • In Family and Community, the number of households with children living in public housing increased, despite the overall decline in the number of children, signaling a higher percentage of children in economically disadvantaged housing.

In its 37th year of publication, the KIDS COUNT Data Book provides reliable statewide numbers to help leaders see where progress is being made, where greater support is needed, and which strategies are making a difference.

“Behind every number in this report is a child who is either hungry or fed, housed or homeless, progressing academically or falling behind. No state is consistently getting this right,” said Lisa M. Lawson, President and CEO of the Annie E. Casey Foundation. “The Data Book challenges us to follow the evidence and do what delivers results.” By offering a local road map, the Data Book equips policymakers, advocates, and communities with the information they need to make decisions that help children and young people thrive.

The 2026 national KIDS COUNT® Data Book can be accessed at www.aecf.org/databook. Virgin Islands KIDS COUNT publications and the Data Dashboard can be found by visiting St. Croix Foundation’s website at www.stxfoundation.org/kids-count-usvi/.

For more information about KIDS COUNT USVI, contact St. Croix Foundation at 340-773-9898 or kidscountusvi@stxfoundation.org.

 

RFP 2026-RFP-012-STX USVI Housing Demand Study

Legals Editor
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Public Notice

Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority (VIHFA)
Request for Proposals (RFP) No. 2026-RFP-012-STX
USVI Housing Demand Study

The Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority (“Authority” or “VIHFA”) is seeking professional consulting services to conduct a Housing Demand Study and Resilience Plan to assess current and future housing needs throughout the Territory.

VIHFA is seeking to conduct a comprehensive Housing Demand Study and Resilience Plan to better understand the Territory’s current and future housing needs. The study will provide a data-driven assessment of housing demand, community needs, and existing housing gaps to support informed decision-making and long-term planning. In addition, the project will evaluate resilience and sustainability strategies to strengthen housing recovery and preparedness efforts.

This Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued on June 3, 2026. All proposals, questions, communications, and addenda related to this solicitation shall be submitted and accessed exclusively through VIHFA’s e-Procurement system at:
https://vihfabids.ionwave.net

All proposals must be submitted electronically no later than:
Friday, July 2, 2026 at 4:00 PM Atlantic Standard Time (AST).

A Pre-Proposal Conference Via Teams is scheduled for:
June 12, 2026 at 11:30 AM AST.

All questions concerning this RFP must be submitted in writing through the IonWave system no later than: June 18, 2026 at 11:59 PM AST.

All updates, clarifications, and addenda will be issued through the IonWave portal. It is the responsibility of all prospective respondents to monitor the system for any updates prior to submission.

This solicitation is issued as a Request for Proposals (RFP) and will be awarded based on a Best Value determination, taking into consideration factors such as experience, technical approach, product quality, project schedule, and cost. Price will be considered but will not be the sole determining factor.

For additional information please contact:

Jenee’ Santos

Phone: 340-772-4432

Email: jsantos@vihfa.gov

In the Matter of the Estate of Susan Keene Garrison, Deceased

Legals Editor
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IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
DIVISION OF ST. CROIX

 

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF

SUSAN KEENE GARRISON a/k/a,

SUSAN K. GARRISON,

Deceased.

 CASE NO. SX-2026-PB-00050

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

 

       NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Petition for Ancillary Administration has been filed on behalf of the Estate of Susan Keene Garrison, a/k/a Susan K. Garrison, deceased. All persons having claims against the Estate are required to present them, verified by affidavit, to the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Croix, or to Charlotte Sheldon, Esq., Attorney for the Estate of Susan Keene Garrison, a/k/a Susan K. Garrison, McChain Hamm & Associates, LLC,  with an address of 5030 Anchor Way, Suite 13 Christiansted, VI 00820, within 30 days from the date hereof. All persons indebted to the Estate shall make payment to the undersigned or to the Ancillary Executor, Lionel C. Garrison, a/k/a Chris Garrison.

This 9th day of June 2026.

/s/ Charlotte S. Sheldon         
Charlotte S. Sheldon, Esq.
VI Bar No. R2070
5030 Anchor Way, Suite 13
Christiansted, VI 00820-4692
Phone: 340-773-6955
Email: csheldon@usvi.law

File Franchise Taxes By June 30 

Mat Probasco
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File Franchise Taxes By June 30 

Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach, Esq. reminds all registered profit and non-profit corporations, partnerships, and limited liability companies of the upcoming June 30, 2026 deadline to comply with the annual report filing requirement. Franchise taxes and filing fees with the corresponding reports are due to the Division of Corporations and Trademarks as a statutory requirement for entities to remain in “Good Standing” to conduct business in the territory. 

Lt. Gov. Tregenza A. Roach Esq. is also the U.S. Virgin Islands Commissioner of Insurance and the Office of the Tax Collector. (Source file photo)

The Division of Corporations and Trademarks will have extended office hours on June 30, up to 6 pm at the Nisky Center, St. Thomas, and the Old Caribe Building at Castle Coakley, St. Croix, to afford all filers the opportunity to comply with the due date. 

If entities wish to be dissolved on or before June 30, 2026, they must be in good standing and submit the dissolution request no later than June 30, 2026. If entities wish to be dissolved as of July 1 and thereafter, they must be in good standing and have an approved annual filing for the due date of June 30, to submit the dissolution filing for processing.

Entities not in compliance with this requirement will be assessed penalties and interest for late filing beginning on July 1, 2026. Additionally, the entity’s status will be changed from “Good Standing” to “Registered” on July 1st, if an approved annual filing is not on file with the Division, and it will be unable to obtain a certificate of good standing to conduct business, submit amendments, and voluntary dissolutions. If the entity’s annual filings and taxes remain outstanding, the entity will be subject to the administrative dissolution process and the inability to use its name. 

Payments and filings shall be made in the division’s online Catalyst system at www.corporationsandtrademarks.vi.gov. The Catalyst system is available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week. Filers shall have a user account in the system, authorization over the registered business, and complete the Update Profile Service to submit filings. Instructions are available at https://ltg.gov.vi/departments/corporations-trademarks/. Also, registered corporations, partnerships, and limited liability companies shall comply with the Beneficial Ownership 

Information Reporting Requirement at www.FinCEN.gov/boi. 

For more information relative to the annual filing requirements and gaining access to file reports, please contact the Division of Corporations and Trademarks at (340)774-2991 on St. Thomas/St. John and (340)773-6449 on St. Croix or visit the Office of the Lieutenant Governor’s website at: https://ltg.gov.vi.

CMCArts Hosts “Our Soil, Beyond Materiality” Exhibition

Mat Probasco
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CMCArts Hosts “Our Soil, Beyond Materiality” Exhibition

CMCArts is thrilled to present Our Soil, Beyond Materiality, a multisensory group exhibition organized by Puerto Rico’s Arte-Suelo-Ser collective of biologists, artists and curators and the Museo de Suelos del Caribe. Opening Reception: Saturday, June 27 | 5–8 PM 

Join us for live music, complimentary bites, a cash bar, and conversations with visiting curators and artists. Tickets: $20 ($10 for members, available at the door or cmcarts.org/events)

The Exhibition: Our Soil, Beyond Materiality | June 27 – Nov. 7

This isn’t a typical art show. Our Soil, Beyond Materiality merges scientific research with creative expression to reveal how soil health connects to human health, community resilience, and Caribbean identity. St. Croix’s Victory Soil will be featured. Through hands-on workshops, film screenings, guided artist tours, and field trips, visitors of all ages will discover why soil matters—and why artists and scientists must work together.

Participating Artists:

Nora Álvarez Berríos

Carola Cintrón Moscoso

Jaime Suárez

Heidi Anne Vera

Yamileth Flores Reyes

Farmers from St. Croix and Puerto Rico

Soil research displays by Arte-Suelo-Ser

Films by:

Carola Cintrón Moscoso and Eric

Appeldoorn Sanders

Alana Toro-Ramos and Omar Iloy

Margaret Mair

Rina Otero

Supporting Programming for All Ages:

  • Interactive soil art workshops
  • Artist-led exhibition tours
  • Film screenings and special programming
  • A VI/PR Friendship celebration featuring live connections between artists and artworks on both islands
  • Youth & Teen summer camp and school field trips – contact kaden@cmcarts.org
  • Adult private tours of the exhibition are available; contact lisa@cmcarts.org

About Arte-Suelo-Ser and Museo de Suelos del Caribe

Since 2020, this Puerto Rican collective has championed soil literacy as essential to environmental and human health. They’ve spent the past three years researching soil health on St. Croix, building partnerships with local farmers, UVI’s Agricultural Department, and community food security organizations. Their Virtual Soil Museum of the Caribbean invites visitors to explore regional soils through art, science, and culture. Their work is supported by the USDA and the Caribbean Culture Fund.

Follow CMCArts on social media and visit cmcarts.org for exhibition and programming updates that will continue to evolve throughout the exhibition.

Liberty VI Introduces True Fiber 1Gig offer 

Mat Probasco
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Liberty VI Introduces True Fiber 1Gig offer 

Liberty VI announced today an unprecedented rate plan offer for the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) market, with 1Gig of internet speed for $50 per month for 24 months. This limited-time promotion includes free installation and is backed by Liberty’s 30-day money-back guarantee. 

The offer is the direct result of Liberty’s fiber construction project which is already bringing True Fiber internet connectivity to consumers throughout the USVI. With over 21,000 serviceable locations, many communities in St. Thomas and St. Croix are ready to enjoy the service. 

“With hurricane season already upon us and the power outages we are experiencing, it is important for consumers to have a reliable and affordable internet connection,” said Catherine Kling, general manager of Liberty VI. “We want all Virgin Islanders to have a reliable connection with real fiber, which does not go down when power goes out. A true optical fiber network does not rely on electricity. We are beyond excited to be able to offer this world-class service at such an amazing price.”

Kling highlighted that Liberty’s True Fiber offers symmetrical speeds for upload and download and can provide up to 50 times more upload speed than its nearest competitor. 

“This is a limited-time offer — available only through June 30— and it’s built around three things no other provider in the USVI is putting on the table together: a symmetrical 1Gig connection with upload speeds up to 50 times faster than the nearest competitor at $50 per month, locked for 24 months. That is less nearly a third of the cost of comparable plans in the territory,” Kling commented. “That means uploading a 4K video in seconds, running a home business without bottlenecks, supporting multiple simultaneous video calls without lag, and obtaining significant savings of the price over the competition. Once the promotional window closes, this rate is gone.”

Covering more of the VI with True Fiber 

Providing an update on Liberty’s Connect USVI project, Kling stated that the initiative is well on its way with 30 community and business areas in St. Thomas already connected with True Fiber and 22 in St, Croix, with four about to be added to the list soon. Upcoming new builds include Bakkero in St. Thomas, plus Mon Bijou North​ & South, Anna’s Hope​, Sion Hill (Cane Bay)​ and Peter’s Rest​ in St. Croix.

As it acquires the necessary permits, Liberty will continue moving forward with the construction work, which will provide access to high-speed, True Fiber internet connectivity to 100% of homes and businesses in the territory within the next couple of years.

Liberty’s True Fiber connection will enable USVI citizens to work, study and complete daily tasks much more efficiently. The build-out of this ultra-fast fiber network throughout the entire territory will ensure that communities that are underserved or unserved will have the opportunity to have access to a reliable internet connection. From a business perspective, it can transform the territory into a Caribbean technology hub, which could in turn create jobs, improve education, expand tourism opportunities, and connect USVI with other markets around the world. 

Liberty VI will be providing updates on its website https://www.libertyvi.com/news on when and where the company will be working on the build-out across the territory.

Class Action Settlement-Joseph Williams ET. AL. vs. The University of the Virgin Islands Case No. ST-2000-CV-00148

Legals Editor
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NOTICE OF PAYMENT

Class Action Settlement – Joseph Williams ET. AL. vs. The University of the Virgin Islands Case No. ST-2000-CV-00148

To former full-time employees of the University of the Virgin Islands who were employed at the University in a full-time capacity for at least One (1) Year between October 1, 1992 to September 30, 1998 and did not receive the promised merit increases for the period that you worked you may be entitled to share in a settlement.  The settlement agreement is on file at the offices of the clerk of the Superior Court on St. Thomas and St. Croix to be examined by members of the class during business hours. You may also obtain a copy of the settlement agreement from the Class attorney, Clive Rivers, who is reachable at (340)776-4666 during business hours or the University Human Resources at (340)693-1421.

The agreement provides that: Each member of the Class shall be paid three percent (3%) of his or her annual salary for each of the years that he or she was employed during the covered period You may have been identified as a claimant in a judgment to pay merit increase wages based on your full-time employment with UVI between January 1992 through December 1998.

Members of the Class may verify their eligibility by visiting the following link: https://classettlement.uvi.edu and follow the instructions therein for purposes of processing their payments. Surviving family (survivors) or heirs of deceased former employees/claimants may likewise be eligible to receive payment in accordance with Virgin Islands Code Title 15 section 89 (c) or if an executor or administrator has been qualified and appointed with respect to the Deceased Estate, a certified copy of the Court Order is required.

Please feel free to email questions regarding the content of this notice to University Human Resources at hrdocs@uvi.edu with the Subject as Claimant Payment or call the UVI Human Resource office at 340-693-1421.  You may also contact Attorney for the Claimants, Clive Rivers at 340-776-4666 with any questions or concerns.

Commander Karima A. Hantal of STT Retires After 2 Decades in Coast Guard

Mat Probasco
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Commander Karima A. Hantal of STT Retires After 2 Decades in Coast Guard

Family, friends, shipmates, and dignitaries gathered June 5 to honor Commander Karima A. Hantal, United States Coast Guard, at a formal retirement ceremony recognizing more than 21 years of exemplary service to the Nation. The ceremony celebrated Commander Hantal’s groundbreaking career as a Coast Guard officer and proud native of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

Commander Karima A. Hantal, U.S. Coast Guard (Photo courtesy of Hantal Family)

The program opened with welcoming remarks by Dr. Araceli “Chelly” Bachner, followed by the arrival of the official party, the National Anthem, and a blessing delivered by  Deacon Orien Donovan. Captain Carrie A. Wolfe, United States Coast Guard, offered presiding official remarks and led the presentation of awards and certificates,  highlighting Commander Hantal’s leadership and impact across the Service.

A central moment of the ceremony was the reading of “The Watch,” the traditional poem marking the end of a service member’s watch and the passing of duties to the next generation of Coast Guard men and women. Commander Stephanie Washington  delivered the reading, honoring Commander Hantal’s more than two decades of  standing the watch so that others could “sleep soundly in safety.” Commander Hantal then provided her own remarks, reflecting on her career, her family, and the shipmates and mentors who shaped her journey. The program also featured an interpretive dance by Ms. Desiya Samuel and Ms. Demiya  Henley, followed by the Coast Guard’s service song, “Semper Paratus,” the departure of the official party, and a reception in honor of Commander Hantal and her family.

Commander Hantal currently serves as Senior Advisor to the Assistant Commandant for Workforce and Family Services at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C., where she advises on national policy and work-life programs that support more than 80,000 active-duty, reserve, civilian, and auxiliary personnel and their families. Over her career, she has specialized in prevention operations ashore, serving as a Marine Inspector at Sector New Orleans, Inspections Division Chief at Sector Lake Michigan in Milwaukee, and Prevention Department Head and later Executive Officer at Marine Safety Unit Port Arthur, Texas.

Her staff assignments have included Program Manager in the Office of Design and Engineering Standards, Flag State Control Administrator in the Office of Commercial  Vessel Compliance, and Ethnic Policy Advisor in the Office of Employee Engagement and Culture at Coast Guard Headquarters. She previously served in Naval Engineering roles as a Damage Control Assistant aboard USCGC DAUNTLESS (WMEC‑624) and as a Type Desk Manager and Program Depot Manager at Maintenance and Logistics Command Atlantic and the Surface Forces Logistics Center in Norfolk, Virginia.

Commander Hantal holds a Bachelor of Science in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School.

Her personal awards include the  Meritorious Service Medal, three Coast Guard Commendation Medals, the Coast Guard  Achievement Medal, and multiple unit and team awards. In a citation accompanying the award of a Gold Star in lieu of a second Meritorious  Service Medal, Commander Hantal was recognized for her leadership as Senior Advisor to the Deputy Assistant Commandant for Workforce and Family Services and as Policy  Advisor in the Office of Employee Engagement and Culture from June 2024 to September 2026. She was commended for single‑handedly executing a multi‑year, Congressionally mandated, holistic study on sexual assault and sexual harassment in the Service, coordinating over 120 expert interviews, compiling extensive policy documentation, and gathering a decade of accountability data to support an independent evaluation of Coast Guard climate and prevention programs. She also initiated a policy change that added more than 85 grooming products across Coast Guard Exchanges to better serve a diverse workforce, particularly at high‑density training and accession centers.

In a message from Government House, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. congratulated  Commander Hantal on behalf of the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands, recognizing her as the first female Virgin Islander to graduate from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and the first Virgin Islands woman to attain the rank of Commander. He noted that a Virgin  Islands flag was flown at Government House in her honor, citing her as a source of pride  and inspiration who has “broken barriers and paved the way for future generations of  Virgin Islanders.”

A native of St. Thomas and a graduate of Ivanna Eudora Kean High School, Commander Hantal is married to tech entrepreneur Ali C. Hantal of Istanbul, Türkiye; together, they enjoy traveling, skiing, boating, and spending time with family and friends. As she transitions from active duty service, Commander Hantal and Ali will relocate to the Virgin Islands in a few weeks and leave a legacy of operational excellence, policy leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the Coast Guard’s core values of honor, respect, and devotion to duty.

St. Thomas-St. John Power Problems

Mat Probasco
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As Wartsila #3 continues to undergo unscheduled repairs, please see the current rotational outage schedule in effect. Customers on the schedule below will only be affected as load demands. Plant personnel will do their best to maintain as many customers as possible:

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Feeder 7B
Feeder 7E

8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Feeder 10B
Feeder 8A

10:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Feeder 7C
Feeder 8B

12:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Feeder 9C
Feeder 6A

Budget Committee Hears Testimony on FY 2027 Budget Proposal

Source staff
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Budget Committee Hears Testimony on FY 2027 Budget Proposal
Sen. Novelle E. Francis Jr., chair of the Senate Budget, Appropriations and Finance Committee, presides over a hearing as lawmakers receive testimony from the government’s financial team on the fiscal year 2027 executive budget. (Photo courtesy V.I. Legislature)

Financial officials in the U.S. Virgin Islands are proposing a $958.2 million General Fund budget for fiscal year 2027 while reporting tight short‑term liquidity, tens of millions of dollars in unpaid bills and continued reliance on federal disaster recovery funding.

Appearing Monday before the Senate Budget, Appropriations and Finance Committee, administration officials said the proposed General Fund plan for FY 2027 is up from about $848.8 million projected for FY 2026.

Office of Management and Budget Director Julio A. Rhymer Sr. said the proposal prioritizes investments in infrastructure, recreation and housing and is focused on “building stronger, more resilient communities.” Asked by Chairman Sen. Novelle E. Francis Jr. to sum up the budget in one word, Rhymer replied: “Sustainable.”

Finance Commissioner Kevin McCurdy told senators the government faces significant liquidity pressure, with $40 million to $45 million in accounts payable. Asked how much cash the government currently holds, he replied, “Thirteen days, $53 million”

The administration also acknowledged it has been paying down large volumes of past‑due obligations. Rhymer said more than $100 million has already been spent this fiscal year covering prior‑year bills that had not been properly recorded or submitted.

To manage the cash strain, Rhymer said the administration has reduced current‑year allotments, cutting larger agencies by roughly 12% to 15% and smaller departments by about 6% to 7%.

“The central government as a whole … will be perfectly fine, but because we have instrumentalities that cannot support themselves, it’s creating a little bit of havoc on the central government’s front, because we can’t pay our bills,” he said.

On overall revenue performance, Bureau of Internal Revenue Director Joel Lee said collections through May totaled about $610 million, roughly $14 million higher than the same period last year.

Lee also warned of pressure on the tax base from the departure of two high-income residents. “Two major taxpayers have left the territory to move to the states,” he said. “Both of them combined, probably about 30 to 35 to 40 million” in individual income tax.

Property tax collections raised concern among senators. Rhymer said the government budgeted about $62 million in property tax revenue for FY 2026 but expects a shortfall of roughly $5 million, calling for reassessments and more aggressive collection efforts.

Tax Assessor Ludence Romney said the total assessed value of real property in the territory rose from about $15.3 billion to $16.3 billion in the past year after staff discovered homes built on parcels previously listed as vacant land. He also said delinquent property taxes total about $110 million and are expected to increase as additional bills become overdue.

Tax amnesty programs also drew criticism. Rhymer said they reduce long-term revenue by eliminating penalties and interest, while Lee said a recent amnesty generated about $6 million in payments but required the government to waive roughly $11 million in penalties and interest.

Despite those pressures, officials said the territory’s economy is being buoyed by large-scale federal disaster recovery spending. Rhymer testified that total federal grants projected to be available to the territory amount to about $20.65 billion in fiscal 2026 and $20.59 billion in FY 2027. He told senators those levels are expected to decline over time, saying that by around 2033 to 2035, federal grants should return to a “normalized” range of $600 million to $700 million a year.

For FY 2027 alone, the Office of Disaster Recovery anticipates about $733.9 million in disaster recovery spending, which Rhymer said is expected to generate roughly $36.7 million in local revenue tied to gross receipts and related taxes. ODR Director Adrienne Williams-Octalien reported that more than $302 million had already been spent through May on recovery projects in the current year.

Chief Negotiator Joss Springette said about 21 union contracts have expired. He testified that talks were “temporarily paused” during implementation of a new $35,000 minimum salary but have since resumed. Officials from the Division of Personnel said those salary adjustments are nearly complete, with only 10 employees still being processed.

Lawmakers plan to continue budget hearings with individual departments and agencies in the coming weeks before drafting final appropriations legislation for consideration by the full Legislature later this year.

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