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Senator Luther Renee meets and greets his constituents
On Thanksgiving Day, Senator Luther Renee met with a small crowd to discuss the budget. After his address, detailing the adjustments to the budget, the Senator entertained many questions from the audience.
One major concern was that of paying two property taxes in one year. Not surprised by this reaction, Senator Renee clearly explains that imposing two property taxes was a one-time effort to bring the tax current. Acknowledging the hardship that many are experiencing, the Senator further explained that payments could be made in installments over a one-year period, without additional interest and penalties.
Another major concern voiced by the people was the high level of unemployment on St. Croix. Senator Renee learned that this increase was derived mainly from the inability of applicants to pass the test provided by Hovensa and it affiliating companies. Senator Renee said that the powers that be need to work together to simplify these test so as to alleviate the problem of applicants failing.
Departing form this gathering, Senator Renee confirmed his assumptions that the people need to be educated on the issues that affect them and vows to use every opportunity he gets to do so.