St. Thomas-St. John Federation of Teachers



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American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO, Local 1825

1052 10" Street, Estate Thomas, St. Thomas, U.S.V.1. 00802

P.O. Box 302607, St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands 00803-2607

Phone; (340) 776-1825

Email: aftlocall825@gmail.com http://stt{1825.viiaftory/

Facebook: St. Thomas-St. John Federation of Teachers, Local 1825



Testimony Regarding Amending Bill No, 36-0125



Good morning to Senate President Milton Potter and the members of the 36th Legislature. It is a privilege to

appear before this committee for the first time in my capacity as AFT President for Local 1825, St. Thomas/St.

John Federation of Teachers.



I come before you today to offer a brief testimony on the Union’s concerns with Bill No. 36-0125, which allows

members of the Virgin Islands Legislature to collect a retirement annuity for past government service and

their legislative salaries.



It is important to note that the Senators in the territory hold a unique position as leaders. As such, they should

set a positive example for all citizens in the Virgin Islands; they should discontinue the practice of receiving

pension annuities while still working for the VI Government (double-dipping).



The consensus from the Union as to why Bill No. 36-0125 should be amended not to allow our senators to

collect a pension and salary simultancously is:



The VI Government is in dire financial straits.



GERS expects to run out of assets by June 2037.



This bill has created mistrust amongst the community.



We have many government employees living at or below the poverty line.



Our Senators should lead by example.



WARLNS



Once again, thank you for the opportunity to share the concerns of the St. Thomas/St. John Federation of

Teachers regarding Bill No. 36-0125. Please consider our concerns and take action to amend this bill. I believe

this testimony will help determine the economic fate of our retirement system.



‘Kenrtigue/ ned



Leontyne Jones

AFT President, Local 1825



A Better Education President = Leontyne Jones



ronan Virg again Acting First Vice President — Roselyn Samuel-Hodge, Second Vice President ~ Sandra M. Benjamin, Third Vice President -

Children Fourth Vice President - Julla Mingo, Recording Secretary — Mechele Lett, Treasurer - Rochelle Jackson-Todman,

A FT Board Members-Lynda Edmead-Glasford & Marlo Turnbull