Recently, Governor de Jongh was asked by the American Association of Retired Persons to complete their 2010 Election Questionnaire. The survey gave the Governor an opportunity to talk about the accomplishments of the de Jongh-Francis Administration on issues important to seniors. It also provided him a forum to talk about the work that still needs to be done to support of aging neighbors. 

Here are the Governor's answers to the AARP questionnaire:

Health Care Issues

Do you support or oppose establishing a pharmacy benefits manager to handle the bulk purchasing of prescription drugs for the Medicaid and the State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAP) so that the government s can benefit from lower priced prescriptions drugs?: Support 

Establish a Pharmacy Benefits Manager program to invest in centralized, bulk purchasing of prescription drugs for Medicaid beneficiaries and the State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program to lower the cost of prescriptions for the VI government.: Not only do I support any initiative that will assist senior citizens with their prescription costs and reduce government expenditures, my Administration has been actively working toward that end. A contract with Cigna is currently being executed to establish a Pharmaceutical Benefits Management (PBM) program in the Territory. Funds have already been made available for the establishment of the required escrow account, and once the electronic eligibility listing is complete, the PBM program will be launched. Working together, the Departments of Health and Human Services have been at the forefront of this effort. 

With the expansion of the Federal Medical Assistance Percentages (FMAP) in the Medicaid Program and the potential for including more residents in the program, do you support or oppose increasing the budget to the Medicaid program matching funds to expand the number of Medicaid health care providers in the territory?: Support 

Increase local matching funding to expand the number of Medicaid health care providers.: The Delegate and I worked to ensure that the historic health reform legislation signed by the President earlier this year will put the Virgin Islands on a path to parity with the States. In anticipation of its passage, in 2009 my Administration initiated the first major overhaul of the Medicaid state plan in more than 20 years to enable the Territory to increase the local match, thereby enhancing our ability to draw down the federal funds. With more than $300 million additional dollars expected to come to the Territory over the reform period, we are already engaged in many efforts to allow full access to the funds.

Livable Communities

Do you support or oppose getting the downtown Charlotte Amalie revitalization project, which the VI has received ARRA funds to complete, started within the next fiscal year?: Support 

Begin construction on the ARRA financially supported Charlotte Amalie downtown revitalization project in the upcoming fiscal year.: I most strongly support the start of the Charlotte Amalie revitalization project within the next fiscal year. To date, the Virgin Islands has received both Federal Highway Administration and FEMA Hazard Mitigation dollars for Charlotte Amalie enhancements. I have also requested an additional $2 million in Federal Covenant Grant funding for the Main Street project. St. Thomas is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean, and part of that allure is downtown Charlotte Amalie with its amazing retail opportunities and historic buildings. We must protect and enhance our downtown area.

Do you support or oppose restricting motor vehicle traffic to Main Street St. Thomas, making this area a walking mall for all or part of the day?: Oppose 

Restrict vehicle traffic on Main Street St. Thomas for all or part of the day, making this area a walking mall.: After much consideration of this issue, I am opposed to restricting motor vehicle traffic to Main Street. We must find a solution that enhances both the appeal of Main Street, yet protects the investments of our merchants and small businesses. I believe that the Charlotte Amalie enhancement program will do just that. As planned, the revitalization will include wider sidewalks, benches, landscaping, proper access to meet ADA compliance requirements, and period-appropriate lighting fixtures. The project will return Main Street to its original charm, but not restrict our business people from earning their livelihoods.

Financial Security

Do you support or oppose policy changes that will allow one universal “form” for applicants to apply for public assistance programs in the Departments of Health and Human Services?: Support 

Direct staff to create and utilize a universal “form” for applicants who apply for public assistance programs under the Departments of Health and Human Services to make it easier for people seeking aide to avoid duplicate processing.: I support the idea of a universal form for public assistance programs. I understand that the idea requires the coordination of the staffs of the Department of Health and the Department Human Resources, but it makes basic sense. As stated earlier, I am supportive of any initiatives that make life easier for our residents and reduce government expenditures, and I believe this idea will do both. We have been moving toward more “one-stop shopping” for Virgin Islands beneficiaries in other areas as well, including education and labor programs.

Do you support or oppose continuing to work with our VI Delegate to petition Congress to include the Virgin Islands in the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program in Medicare to help the aged, blind and disabled who have little or no income?: Support 

Continue to work with the Delegate to petition Congress to include the VI in the Supplemental Security Income program to help the aged, blind and disabled who have little or no income.: During my first four years as Governor, I have worked closely with Delegate to Congress Donna C. Christiansen on this issue. I have made several trips to our nation’s capital to urge lawmakers to include the Virgin Islands in the Supplemental Security Income program, and I will continue to do so. This issue has been a top one for both of us and we maintain our commitment to pursue it.