Senator Alicia Hansen on Tuesday called on the Committee on Finance, which is set to deliberate Governor Kenneth Mapp’s sin tax bill today, not to vote on the measure, contending that St. Croix residents needed to be educated more on its impact.
“The people of St. Croix have been calling on this body to be heard on this matter that will also negatively affect senior citizen, homestead and veteran exemptions. This includes members of the island’s community who have alternative ideas and possible solutions to offer,” Mrs. Hansen wrote in a letter addressed to Committee Chairman Kurt Vialet.
“I am highly concerned about the appearance that the people of St. Croix are being snubbed on matters that concern all Virgin Islanders. Additionally, both the St. Croix and St. Thomas Chambers of Commerce have offered alternative proposals that I believe should be heard before we rush to implement measures that will significantly impact their lives and businesses,” Mrs. Hansen added.
The veteran senator pointed to the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which she says guarantees the right of the people to petition their government for redress of grievances. “For the people to be heard on this bill, after demanding so, is an exercise of this right,” Mrs. Hansen said.
The hearing starts at 10:00 a.m., and will take place at the Earl B. Ottley Legislative Hall in St. Thomas.
Tags: alicia hansen, senator, sin taxes, us virgin islands
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