Senators Share Varying Opinions on State of Emergency Extension
Legislators met on Friday to address Governor Albert Bryan Jr.’s request to extend the state of emergency in the territory.
2022-03-14 14:28:33 - VI News Staff
According to the request dated March 6, 2022, Gov. Bryan said that it was necessary to extend the state of emergency so that the territory can receive aid for staffing coverage, medical supplies, and to continue the operation of vaccination programs.
However, there was mixed feedback from senators as it related to the request, all stemming from legislation passed in 2018 requiring the governor to request to the legislative body a proposal to extend the state of emergency.
“We know that somewhere about in the 32nd legislature, a measure was passed to require the governor’s staff to come before the legislature monthly when there’s a state of emergency. That is impractical,” said Senate President Donna Frett-Gregory. Frett-Gregory further commented that “the law is flawed” as it does not indicate what should happen should the legislative body not convene about the state of emergency requested by the governor.
Sen. Marvin Blyden said that the legislation was put into place as a result of the 2017 hurricanes due to a “lack of communication” that occurred at the time. “No one knew or foresaw the pandemic coming down the line, and we are here today because of the pandemic,” he added.
Some senators voiced concern that the legislation should have never existed to mandate the senate body approve a state of emergency.
“I understand the concern of you guys and the people in this territory, but this should have never happened to start if you ask me,” said Sen. Franklin Johnson.
“Whether or not we agree with what was passed, it is this body’s responsibility to adhere to the law until changes are made,” said Sen. Kurt Vialet.
Sen. Francis-Heyliger added that the testimony being delivered creates a “moot situation” because the state of emergency automatically renewed on Friday. With Gov. Albert Bryan Jr.’s hasty request to the legislative body on March 6, the Senate body was not able to schedule a session to convene and vote on the matter. The senator said, “I do have a concern when you’re asking me as a member of this institution along with my other colleagues, to consider something, and in the same breath you put out an executive order the same day, telling the public it’s a done deal.”
Gov. Bryan signed into executive order a 30-day extension for the state of emergency. The state of emergency has been extended from March 11, 2022, to April 10, 2022.