Senate President Milton E. Potter issued a formal statement Tuesday following Gov. Albert Bryan Jr.’s public announcement of a special legislative session to address proposed reforms. The session, which the governor said would focus on self-funded insurance, legislative pensions, and restrictions on candidacy for public employees, was announced without prior notice to the Legislature or submission of any supporting materials, according to Potter.
“It is disappointing that I first learned of this proposed special session through media reports,” Potter stated. “As the presiding officer of this body, it is not my intent to be pulled into a press-driven performance meant to distract from the real matters at hand.”
Potter said the Legislature had not received any draft legislation, supporting documentation, or formal communication from the administration. He described the governor’s remarks as “misleading,” “retaliatory,” and focused more on personal grievances than public policy.
“Let us be honest: this sudden push is a direct response to the Legislature rightfully repealing a $50,000 salary increase that the Governor quietly inserted into the FY2024 budget,” Potter stated. “Rather than accept that decision, the Governor has chosen to lash out, dressing up political spite as policy reform.”
Potter questioned whether key entities such as the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and the GESC Board had been consulted about transitioning to a self-funded insurance model. “Let me be unequivocal: while self-funding may sound fiscally attractive on paper, it becomes a dangerous and irresponsible gamble when applied to a government with cash flow instability, weak reserves, and limited administrative infrastructure,” he said in the statement.
He also addressed criticism from the governor regarding lawmakers receiving retirement pensions, calling the issue legally grounded and common in other jurisdictions. “If the Governor believes reform is warranted, let him submit a detailed proposal rather than resorting to name-calling and shaming individual senators from the podium,” the statement said.
On the matter of public employees running for office, Potter disputed claims that senators travel on government funds while campaigning. He also pointed to legislative history involving related bills introduced by former and current senators. “It has not advanced – not due to legislative apathy – but because of consistent resistance from members of our own party,” he said.
Potter concluded his statement by emphasizing that the Legislature remains committed to thoughtful, transparent governance. “The people of the Virgin Islands deserve principled policy, not political stunts,” he said. “If the Governor wishes to be taken seriously, let him act like a serious leader. Until then, this body remains committed to doing the people’s work responsibly, transparently, and without theatrics.”
