By: Daniella Silva, Mariana Atencio, & Hans Nichols, NBC News SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — As Puerto Rico deals with a lack of power, food and drinking water in the wake of Hurricane Maria, residents are also in dire need of another commodity: Cold hard cash. And that means what little other resources are available often… read more
Americans Helping Americans: Join Our Puerto Rico Relief Efforts As Puerto Rico continues its recovery efforts following the devastation brought by Hurricane Maria, the Puerto Rico Economic Recovery Initiative (PRERI) would like to thank those who have provided aid, in any form, and volunteered their time, resources, and thoughts and prayers to the… read more
By: Dawn Giel, Contessa Brewer, & Lori LaRocco, CNBC It’s been more than a week since Hurricane Maria slammed Puerto Rico, the most powerful such storm to hit the U.S. territory since 1932. It left much of the U.S. territory devastated, and, as fuel has been in short supply, delivery of much-needed supplies, such as food,… read more
By: Niraj Chokshi, New York Times The Trump administration said on Thursday that it would temporarily waive a century-old shipping law for Puerto Rico that officials there said was hindering disaster relief efforts after Hurricane Maria. The waiver of the law, known as the Jones Act, comes as federal and local officials report more supplies trickling… read more
“The Task Force is of the view that Puerto Rico’s best days lie before it, not behind it.” — we agree. PRERI was pleased to see a good faith effort by the Task Force to recommend strong recommendations in 18 areas critical to the future of Americans residing in Puerto Rico and the Island’s economy,… read more
Extending Tax Credits, Repealing Harmful Laws & Energy Diversification Lead The Way Areas Of Promise Shown In Puerto Rico’s Economy: According To A May Report, Some Sectors Of Puerto Rico’s Economy Are Still Growing. “Not all job sectors declined during May. Trade, transportation, and utilities jobs increased by 900 combined. Recreation and accommodation jobs increased by… read more
Many Urge Senate To Take Up & Swiftly Pass Legislation Amidst Worsening Conditions In Puerto Rico Representative Rob Bishop (R-UT): “The Bottom Line Is, There’s A Time Factor Here.” “The bottom line is, there’s a time factor here. The fact that the House passed this bill with a very strong majority from both parties gets… read more
(Washington, DC) – Puerto Rico Economic Recovery Initiative (PRERI) Executive Director Javier Ortiz released the following statement on the House of Representatives passing the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA): “Speaker Paul Ryan, Chairman Rob Bishop, Congressman Raul Grijalva and Congressman Sean Duffy deserve a tremendous amount of credit for crafting a… read more
Legislation Reduces Taxpayer Burden, Does Not Set Any Precedent & Is Sensible Conservative Solution Congressional Budget Office: PROMESA Will Have “No Significant Net Effect On The Federal Deficit.” (Ryan Rainey, “CBO: Puerto Rico Bill Won’t Have Significant Effect On Federal Deficit,” Morning Consult, 6/3/16) Legislation Does Not Carry A “Significant Price Tag.” “The CBO determined… read more
Comments On Working Together To Help Puerto Rico & Hope The Legislation Signifies Lin-Manuel Miranda: “Speaker Paul Ryan Has Fulfilled His Promise: He Worked Together With Republicans And Democrats, And Has Created A Bill That Will Determine The Immediate Future Of Puerto Rico.” (Lin-Manuel Miranda, “Making Lemonade From Lemons,” El Diario Nueva York, 5/31/16) Legislation… read more