Delegate Donna Christian-Christensen Thursday warned government officials that in order to avoid losing tobacco settlement funds legislation must be enacted that will bring the territory into compliance by December 2001.
"Failure to enact a model statute as outlined in the settlement agreement will result in the termination of much needed funding to the territory," Christensen said.
In a Medicaid/Tobacco Settlement Forum of the Virgin Islands Chapter American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Christensen also presented an overview of measures that Congress and the Clinton Administration is considering on Social Security and Medicare. She encouraged AARP members to continue to let national leaders in Washington know of the importance of these issues to the Virgin islands.
The Delegate, who is a cosponsor of legislation which addresses these issues, also provided forum attendees with an update of her efforts to increase federal funding for Medicaid coverage in the Virgin Islands.
"We have been able to provide [funding] increases every year, and every year we have faced the threat of losing that increase. We are still not on an equitable level with the states with regard to Medicaid spending. But my colleagues and I from the other territories will continue to push for adequate and equitable funding for our residents until we are successful," Christensen said.