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Bill

Bill

36-0011

An Act amending title 3 Virgin Islands Code, section 715(a) by changing the composition of the GERS Board of Trustees so that active government employees can elect representatives to the Board

2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill adds elected active employee representatives to Virgin Islands GERS Board of Trustees, expanding worker voice in retirement fund governance.

Introduced
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · 36-0011

Legislative bill overview

Bill 36-0011 modifies the governance structure of the Virgin Islands Government Employees' Retirement System (GERS) by enabling active government employees to directly elect their representatives to the Board of Trustees. Currently, the board composition apparently does not include elected employee representatives, meaning workers have limited voice in decisions affecting their retirement benefits and fund management.

Why is this important

Retirement fund governance directly impacts how employee contributions are invested, how benefits are calculated, and the long-term solvency of the pension system. Giving active employees electoral representation increases democratic participation in decisions that affect their financial security in retirement and could improve accountability and transparency in fund management.

Potential points of contention

  • Board structure concerns: Expanding the board to include elected employee representatives may dilute existing members' influence, create conflicts of interest, or complicate decision-making if employee interests diverge from fiscal management priorities
  • Implementation questions: The bill doesn't specify how many seats employees would control, election procedures, term lengths, or transition mechanisms from the current composition
  • Pension fund stability vs. stakeholder interests: Employee-elected trustees might prioritize benefit increases or reduce contribution rates, potentially conflicting with actuarial soundness or taxpayer protection concerns

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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