Virgin Islands Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett will be in Washington Monday evening during Governor Kenneth Mapp’s State of the Territory Address to continue working on critical issues confronting the people of the territory, a press release Ms. Plaskett’s office issued late Monday has made known.
“While I had planned to attend the originally scheduled Governor’s State of the Territory speech on January 23rd last week, I will be in Washington for the rescheduled January 30th event. Congress is in session and I have a commitment as the House floor manager during that time. I will also be attending a meeting Tuesday with Speaker of the House Paul Ryan and Congressional leadership to discuss the critical issues confronting our territory,” Ms. Plaskett said.
The second-term congresswoman intends to use her scheduled meetings with the House Republican leadership on Tuesday as well as with members in the executive branch this week to discuss the Virgin Islands’ financial issues, according to the release. Ms. Plaskett also underscored the importance of being present in Washington, noting White House executive orders signed last week with potential to result in changes in funding to critical programs in the territory.
“In addition to our territorial fiscal crisis, there are changes being made in Washington — namely the White House executive actions as well as signals by the Republican Congress to make deep budget cuts in vital areas of service — many that have the potential to impact funding to vital programs in the territory. These issues require immediate attention and, as the people have elected me to advocate on their behalf in Washington, I believe the best use of my time is there doing that work,” Ms. Plaskett said.
Governor Mapp is set to address the territory tonight from the Earl B. Ottley Legislative Hall at 7:00 p.m.
Tags: stacey plaskett, state of the territory, us virgin islands