Nicole Bollentini

The committee discussed the status of ongoing infrastructure projects, focusing on challenges such as labor shortages, construction schedules, and the management of funds. Key topics included the recruitment of local labor for upcoming projects, the implementation of a universal structure option for contractors, and the impact of rising costs and inflation on disaster recovery efforts. Additionally, the committee reviewed the financial management of the Envision program, including funding caps per home and the approval processes for exceeding those caps.

The committee hearing focused on the consideration of governor's nominees for judicial positions. Specifically, the committee received testimony from the honorable Denise M. Francois, a nominee for associate justice to the Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands, and Renee M. Andre, a nominee for judge of the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands for the division of St. Thomas and St. John.

The committee held a meeting to discuss Bill Number 36-0248, which proposes the enactment of the Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (CPACE) Act. The discussion focused on how this legislation would provide commercial property owners with access to long-term, private capital financing for property improvements such as hurricane resilience, solar energy installations, and water conservation efforts. The bill aims to facilitate these investments without utilizing taxpayer dollars or obligating the government of the Virgin Islands. The committee heard from various testifiers, including representatives from the Virgin Islands Energy Office, the CPACE Alliance, and private construction and capital firms.

The Committee on Finance convened to receive testimony regarding the proposed Fiscal Year 2023 executive budget for the Government of the Virgin Islands. The hearing focused on the status and revenue-generating activities of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, which encompasses divisions such as Real Property Tax, Banking, Insurance and Financial Regulation, Corporations and Trademarks, and the Passport Office. The Committee also reviewed administrative and operational updates from these divisions and their respective leadership.

The committee held a hearing to review plans for summer repair and maintenance in public schools, including project scopes, prioritization criteria, estimated costs, and inspection findings. Additionally, the committee considered and vetted proposed legislation concerning the establishment of the Bureau of School Security within the Department of Education and the alignment of disbursement and spending limitations for public school education initiative funds.