What Are Our “Human” Priorities?
It makes you wonder what the human priorities are.
We share the public concern about the recent vetoes of funds for human service and health related programs. But we are more concerned about the quality of financial information placed in front of the Legislature as they propose and pass on these expenditures for approval.
Last week, Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. vetoed additional funds for a number of programs, citing a lack of money in both the General Fund and the Internal Revenue Matching fund.
The social consequences of financially restricting these programs are obvious. But perhaps the larger question is what information is being provided to the Legislature leading them to believe that these funds are available at the time the requests are made.
Of the General Fund items vetoed, we are highlighting $450,000 in “human priority” programs. For the Department of Human Services: $100,000 for the medical alert bracelets program; $50,000 for Meals on Wheels; and $150,000 for the Homemaker’s program were denied. The Health Department was denied $150,000 for the Home Health Program. And while these denials do not shut down the programs at the present time, the concern is that without the additional funds, services will be greatly reduced at some point in this fiscal year.
Another $3.46 million from the Internal Revenue Matching Fund, targeted for health care initiatives, was also denied. The Matching Fund collects the rum excise tax rebates (cover over) returned to the Territories on the rum produced here that is sold in the US. Those amounts included $3 million to Juan Luis Hospital to renovate and upgrade its emergency room and $300,000 to the hospital to purchase a mammogram machine; another $80,000 each to Charlotte Kimelman Cancer Institute and Luis Hospital’s Cardiac Center for marketing and associated travel costs were also denied.
It is our understanding that both the Department of Finance and the IRB provide the legislature figures on how much money was available in both the general fund and the matching fund when these measures are being discussed. Now it is said that no funds are available. So is the Legislature knowingly putting forth measures that cannot be funded or are they being deceived about what funds are available?
For example, on October 5, 2009, documentation was provided to the Legislature by Angel Dawson, Commissioner of Finance, showing a September 30 available balance of $4.8 million in the IRB matching fund, more than enough to fund the requested appropriations. CIF has been told that this was the basis on which the requests against the matching fund were made? What happened to that money? And if this did not represent available funds, why was it presented as such? ( page 2, attached)
Further review of that document raises another question concerning outstanding obligations to the matching fund. In explaining his vetoes, the governor said that the matching fund was already facing $111 million in obligations against the receipt of only $90 million from the federal government. However, written testimony submitted on October 6 by Director of the Office of Management and Budget, Debra Gottleib, details $107.3 million in current outstanding liabilities – some $3.7 million less than the Governor stated. (pages 3-5 attached)
So which is true? Is the governor overstating the obligations against the matching fund or have we added nearly $4 million in additional obligations since October?
We were unable to get similar data for the General Fund and have little assurance that there will be any better accountability for FY 2010, as agencies have been given lump sum budgets to manage.
So once again we are left with more questions than answers.
We will explore these issues in more detail in the upcoming weeks. While all of these issues are troubling, the denial of funds for the mammography equipment bears further scrutiny. Breast cancer is an issue with worldwide focus and it is astounding that in 2009 that it is not a piece of standard equipment in any medical facility serving a population of this size. What is the cost of lost life and human suffering with the absence of this service in the primary medical facility on St. Croix?
We are told repeatedly that the borrowing of hundreds of millions of funds for projects promoted as bringing future revenues to the Territories is top priorities. Those benefits, and their actual cost to the community, remain to be seen.
And we wonder – in a time when the financial situation is so dire, how was it possible to find nearly half a million in funds for “security enhancements” but no money to support programs that assist in basic human needs.
It is said that a society can be judged by how it treats the children, the sick and the elderly. What do these actions say about us?
What are our human priorities?
I was just listening to Jimmy O’Bryan, and some of the caller were trying to encourage him to run for governor. 2010 will be here in about three weeks. I tink we should settle down for a while and see who will officially through their hat in the ring first before we decide who will be a viable candidate. Until then, we need to continue to put pressure on Gov. deJongh.
I agree “T” it’s to early to say who would be the candidate although we know Foncie pushes himself under the ailiases Sherly, Annie, and sometimes anonymous. He’s good at that.
“Bring tears to my eyes”, grow up, you agree with “T” but in a previous article you called him “Foncie” make up your mind because you seem to be suffering from split personalities. Get it together, if your not being proactive then your destructive. And “we the people” certainly don’t have time for anyone in Dewolf’s camp that is trying to derail (nice effort though, can’t knock you for trying) what is bound to take place come November 2010! Donastorg or Mapp 2010!!!!!!!
Bring tears to my eyes, I am not Foncie…. Im someone who is planning on supporting him , You seem to have some serious problem with him , I really dont know what it is but obviously its personal , keep it to yourself… I am not Foncie .. It seems to you that everyone is Foncie. We shall start guessing who on this site is really de WOLF..
Certainly Jimmy wasn’t prepared for that overt endorsement on the radio. However, the thought is not new to him or to those who have been covertly trying to convince him to become a jockey in the 2010 race. He’s the ‘perfect’ candidate who deJongh fears the most.
Foncie you always big up yourself on this blog, how much time have you spent doing the peoples work? “Bring tears” is right you have a fixation in controlling peoples minds on this blog, but I’m not convinced you have what it takes to take the top job. Look at the disaster this year in the senate.
This is what folks who buy degrees from diploma mills do. When you lack the discipline to go to class and comprhend, you create storie in your mind to feel like you’re accomplishing something.
Rumor Mill Gang, X, Dewolf have “ah u singing fo u supper eh”. If I were you I would be using this time to try to find another income come November 2010! Dewolf-Gang and Dewolf-X, your poli-tricks are old news. The people have seen the light and it is not a big, sloppy greasy, lieing, thieving GOVERNOR! DONASTORG OR MAPP 2010!!!!!!!!
Anyone but deJongh! Anyone but deJongh! I like the sound of that.
hahaha! you are so foolish to think I am a part of this administration. Never have and never voted for a wolf in sheep clothing. My good friends in this administration don’t talk with me anymore because we are on opposing sides. I am a born crucian not cruzan who want to see one of us take the top job. Tired of them on the other side beating the big island down. I hope we can get a governor who treat all three islands equally regarding their needs. We get push in a corner and looked at in an election cycle when they have no other choice but to create half *ss initiatives to fool the people that they have their best interest at heart. I could not vote for Doncie because he voted for both Diageo and cruzan deals. Bad politics Duncie that’s not what the people of St. Croix wanted, we think the deal sell us short and you supported it.
Enough,
I do fully concur with you: Donastorg and/or Mapp in 2010!
Rumor Mill Gang or better yet deWolf-Gang,
Donastorg was NOT a Senator during the Diageo. He did NOT VOTE for Diageo. Your’re either completely out of the loop or Louis Penn (Dewolf Chief of staff) needs to put more oil in his propaganda machine……because ANYONE will tell you that what your writing is RIDICULOUS…..GO PLAY YOUR GAMES ELSEWHERE!
Enough, I could not have addressed “Rumor Mill Gang” comments any better. The hatred N.James have for Senator Donastorg is so bad I think he needs to try containing his feelings. Here N.James and the dejongh propaganda machine go again, when you can’t find anything they try to create something. Keep attacking the Senator; your making him stronger and stronger as the days pass. Now, this is so evident for me. I was one of those who protested the Diageo deal and have the names of the Senators posted in my office, those that voted yes and no and Senator Donastorg was not even in the Senate. I know realize more than ever someone is really trying to stop this Senator at every turn. Interesting, “Rumor Mill Gang” lets see if Senator Neville James can distance himself from the Governor going into the 2010 election. I think N. James actually have some feelings for Senator Donastorg????
You both Duncie’s can kiss where sun don’t shine. Voting for Cruzan rum is the same as voting for Diageo you still agreed and voted yes whether you were there at the time or not your vote for Cruzan Rum deal tells me you would have voted for Diageo. So we don’t want you. This has nothing to do with Senator Neville James their are some people who just don’t like you plain and simple. I may write badly, but I still get the point across. Last time I check this was not an english test.
According to this press release bags were to be distributed to our youth by the Governor, First Lady or Staff from Govenment House. That was not that case for my children. Honestly, what is the point? This is a complete waste of our money Put this in perspective. Each bag with a customized book must cost at least $5 each. Let’s just say there are 15,000 children who qualify for these bags. That is $75,000. That does not include the labor for distributing these “gifts”. I think our money would be better spent elsewhere. This could have been a come to Jesus moment for the Governor by saying I am going to waive our annual gift during these hard times. Instead he decided not to do that. I am stuck with 2 books and 2 red bags that I am embarassed to have in my my house. So how are our schools doing??????? This is a joke!
From the Source 12/12/09
“Amidst the holiday season activities, Gov. John deJongh Jr. and first lady Cecile deJongh announced the distribution of educational gifts next week for children in grade levels K4-3 in all public, private, and parochial schools. The gifts will be handed out by Cecile de Jongh and Government House staff.
“Every year at the holiday season, it is our pleasure to visit the Territory’s public, private, and parochial schools to share the joy of Christmas and the holidays with Virgin Islands children, along with their families, teachers, and administrators. This year, we look forward to another joyful season of good cheer and holiday spirit as we participate in the wondrous traditions of Christmas and the Holiday Season. Cecile and I are delighted to host this gift-giving tribute as part of the community’s holiday celebrations,” the governor said in a prepared statement.
Crucians for Donastorg in 2010
Shameful!
Cecile deWolf (joke of the of the islands) and her husband, Dewolf himself, have decided to distribute books to the kids. Well, how about text books so that the children can learn throughout the school year; clean bathrooms and facilities; accredited schools; classrooms that do not have a ratio of 30 children per class; better pay for the teachers; Speech Language therapy Occupational therapy, Physical therapy and other sercives for the “special need” children. But then again, why would they Care! NONE of their childern are in public school. In fact, they attend one of the most expensive schools in the entire Carribbean (which is predominantly WHITE). So why should they care? It’s quite obvious to me that they DON”T and NEVER WILL. They used us all to get elected in 2006 and they are trying to do it again for 2010. “Dis time round’ ain goin like dat!!!!” I hope Cecile former convicted felon BOSSMAN still have a job waiting for her!
What the Gov. is doing with the gifts is cheap compared to the what I am hearing with some other government agencies that are giving generous bonuses and lavish gifts. PFA is giving every board member a gift. They get a choice of 3 gifts, one of wihich is a 52″ flat screen TV. THis is something that have been occurring every year for as long as I can recall. I was particularly curious about this year because of our econcomic problems. Seems like it made no difference. As I drive around the island and pass by the various agencies it is interesting to observe all the christmas lights that are on 24/7. This administration does not have a conscience! They continue to waste and squandor!!
I understand the taxpayers of the VI hosted a Christmas Party for Finance at the Ritz Carlton that cost $53,000. Country running good!
Fifty-three grand for a party at the Ritz. Sounds like a Hawaiian Junket.
http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/KapaluaMaui/Default.htm
The fifty-three grand must have come from the Internal Revenue Matching Fund.
http://cruciansinfocus.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/internal_revenue_match1.pdf