November 14, 2025
November 14, 2025 VIA EMAIL The Honorable Novelle E. Francis Chairman, Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance nfrancis@legvi.org ST. CROIX CHAMBER OF COMMERCE’S WRITTEN TESTIMONY ON BILL 36-0030 Dear Chairman Francis: Nearly immediately after receiving an invitation to testify on Bill No. 36-0030, which would increase the territorial minimum wage, the St. Croix Chamber of Commerce sent out a survey to its membership and began asking for opinions on the bill. Based on our survey and discussions, some members support the bill, while others do not. Important arguments about inflation, the cost of living, and burdens to businesses were raised on both sides of the issue. On the one hand, forcing businesses to increase the minimum wage would be inflationary. On the other hand, increased payments to employees will permeate throughout the economy and could benefit all businesses. Because of the disparate views expressed both in favor of and in opposition to the bill, the St. Croix Chamber of Commerce will remain neutral on Bill 36-0030 at this time. …
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November 14, 2025 VIA EMAIL The Honorable Novelle E. Francis Chairman, Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance nfrancis@legvi.org ST. CROIX CHAMBER OF COMMERCE’S WRITTEN TESTIMONY ON BILL 36-0030 Dear Chairman Francis: Nearly immediately after receiving an invitation to testify on Bill No. 36-0030, which would increase the territorial minimum wage, the St. Croix Chamber of Commerce sent out a survey to its membership and began asking for opinions on the bill. Based on our survey and discussions, some members support the bill, while others do not. Important arguments about inflation, the cost of living, and burdens to businesses were raised on both sides of the issue. On the one hand, forcing businesses to increase the minimum wage would be inflationary. On the other hand, increased payments to employees will permeate throughout the economy and could benefit all businesses. Because of the disparate views expressed both in favor of and in opposition to the bill, the St. Croix Chamber of Commerce will remain neutral on Bill 36-0030 at this time. That said, the undersigned recently expressed to bill sponsor Sen. Franklin Johnson that the Chamber is willing to co-sponsor town halls with the St. Croix business community to further discuss the Bill and to make sure all voices are heard on this important issue. Very truly yours, /s/ Akeel St. Jean Akeel St. Jean, Esq. Chairman