The governor of Puerto Rico, Pedro Pierluisi, asked this Sunday the new legislative leadership in Washington to approve a series of measures to improve the well-being of the island’s inhabitants and give treatment similar to that received by other states.
The petitions range from obtaining waivers to the Jones Act for the transportation of fuel to the island in times of emergency to giving citizens in Puerto Rico access to the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program and resuming the political status project.
This was revealed by the chief executive in a letter addressed to the majority leader in the Senate, Charles Schumer, and to the speaker of the House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy, among others.
“Before the 118th Congress begins, I hope to work with you in key areas to strengthen the economy of Puerto Rico for the benefit of the 3.2 million American citizens who reside on our island,” said Pierluisi.
Regarding the status, Pierluisi demanded that the new Congress give way to what was proposed in the Cameral Project 8393, which stipulates a plebiscite on the island to decide between annexation to the US, independence or free association.
“Puerto Rico has suffered 125 years of inequality (…) It will continue to have obstacles along the way until the dilemma of our status is resolved once and for all,” the governor of this Commonwealth denounced the United States.
Another of the measures requested is the transition from the Nutrition Assistance Program (PAN) to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
The governor explained that low-income Puerto Rican families lost access to SNAP more than 40 years ago and that, since then, through the PAN, the island has received block grants that do not cover the nutritional needs of those who belong to the program.
On health issues, he urged to reconsider the way in which Medicare Advantage rates are set and the treatment that the island receives regarding the Medicare Savings Programs.
“Medicare Advantage formulas place Puerto Rico at 42 percent below the national average and 37 percent below the lowest state rate in Hawaii,” he explained.
He also called for greater security resources to combat drug trafficking, adjustments to federal contributions to the Earned Income Tax Credit, and full refunds of the rum tax retroactively.
“I ask for your collaboration and support in these congressional initiatives that are essential for Puerto Rico to continue on the path of progress and economic recovery,” said the governor.
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