Voting Reform Proposals on Horizon, Senator Says
During a recent meeting in St. Thomas with a ranking House committee member responsible for federal elections and USVI Senate President Donna Frett-Gregory, Senator Alma Francis Heyliger hinted at possible legislation to transform the voting system locally.
2022-01-18 13:41:56 - VI News Journalist
The Sen. Francis Heyliger and Sen. Donna Frett Gregory discussed election reform and a tax-free, employer-based student loan repayment program during a meeting at the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall with ranking member of the Committee on House Administration, Representative Rodney Davis.
“Giving our residents greater access to the polls and providing greater transparency in the election process is of paramount importance,” Sen. Francis Heyliger said.
In the months ahead, Sen. Francis Heyliger noted her intent to bring forth legislation to address expanding early voting, no-excuse absentee voting and bringing further transparency to records held by the Board of Elections in order to make the process more accessible and transparent to the electorate.
"It is always important as legislators that we connect with elected leaders on the national level to garner support of our territory’s needs," Sen. Frett-Gregory said. “It was a pleasure meeting with Ranking Member Davis and engaging in robust discussion surrounding election reform."
In addition to discussing election reform, the trio of lawmakers discussed the impact of the coronavirus on the Territory, the federal stimulus funding and a tax-free, employer-based student loan repayment program, which stems from legislation Rep. Davis sponsored and was included in the CARES Act of 2020. Under the Employer Participation in Repayment Act, employers can make tax-free student loan payments on behalf of their employees, up to $5,250 per year.
Sen. Frett-Gregory and Sen. Francis Heyliger urged local businesses, corporations and economic development beneficiaries to partake in the program, which would simultaneously benefit businesses with tax incentives and alleviate the student loan debt of many of their employees.
“Both Senator Francis Heyliger and I recognize the Employer Participation in Repayment Act is an incentive for businesses in the territory to attract and retain talent,” said Sen. Frett-Gregory in the release. “Businesses are strongly encouraged to consider incorporating this program in their business model.”