Anger Over VIPOCC Salary Increases as Email Contradicts Senator Francis’s Claims

Email obtained by the Consortium shows Senator Francis was among recipients of the report, despite his denial. Controversy mounts as public officials’ pay hikes take effect, including $95,000 for senators and $192,088 for the governor

Anger and frustration aimed at lawmakers and executive branch officials erupted following an announcement by Government House on Sunday that large salary increases took effect on January 1, 2025, based on a report from the V.I. Public Officials Compensation Commission (VIPOCC). The report recommends a $10,000 raise for senators, bringing their salaries to $95,000, and increases of over $40,000 for the governor and lieutenant governor, raising their salaries to $192,088 and $168,231, respectively. This occurred without any discussions in the Senate, as the 90-day window mandated by the law governing the VIPOCC's report had expired. The 90-day timeframe was intended to allow senators to review the report and decide whether to accept, reject, or amend its recommendations.

Governor Albert Bryan confirmed that he received the report on August 13, 2024. The VIPOCC also confirmed that Senate President Novelle Francis and Supreme Court Chief Justice Rhys Hodge, along with VIPOCC board members, received the report via email on August 13. However, Senator Novelle Francis — the most important recipient in this matter — has disputed this, claiming he never received the email. Speaking to the Consortium on Monday, Mr. Francis described the situation as potentially a setup. After receiving the report on Sunday from Governor Bryan's press release, Mr. Francis said he consulted with the Senate's legal counsel to assess whether the salary increases were legally implemented. Mr. Francis also expressed frustration over not receiving a follow-up call from the VIPOCC board to confirm receipt of the email or a hardcopy of the report, which he described as an unacceptable oversight for a document of such importance.