LEGISLATIVE ISSUES AND PRIORITIES

The Government Affairs Division of the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration conducts outreach to Congress and the executive branch in support of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico's priorities.  The Division also coordinates with local individuals and organizations, states, and national associations to support public policies that are beneficial to Puerto Rican people and businesses.  In addition, the Government Affairs Division researches funding and public policies in order to promote new opportunities in Puerto Rico.  Under the administration of Governor Aníbal Acevedo Vilá, the Government Affairs Division has focused on measures to improve the economy, health care, safety and quality of life of citizens in Puerto Rico.  During the 110th Congress, the Division will be dedicated to improving Puerto Rico's economic environment, its public infrastructure, and increasing health care and nutritional support. 

Economic Development

PRFAA is actively supporting congressional efforts to increase the minimum wage - the first increase in over nine years - and will seek support for programs to offset the impact of the wage increase on businesses.  Other efforts will include expanding the child tax credit, local application of the Earned Income Tax Credit, and seeking extension of the rum cover over.

Education 

PRFAA will support efforts by Congress to increase higher educational assistance provided under Pell grants.  In addition, the No Child Left Behind Act, which provided for substantial increases in federal support to Puerto Rico's schools and students in 2001, is due for reauthorization.  Working with the Puerto Rico Department of Education, PRFAA will highlight the challenges faced both locally and nationally in complying with standards under this law, and to outline the Commonwealth's commitment to improving education for its youth.

Nutrition Assistance 

In the 2002 Farm Bill, Congress provided for annual increases in the Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP), which provides financial assistance for foodstuffs to low-income Puerto Ricans.  As Congress reauthorizes the Farm Bill, PRFAA will share with Congress the importance of NAP, its relation to the federal food stamp program, and the need for its continued growth.

Health Care

Federal law limits the amount of assistance Puerto Rico, and the territories, receive under Medicaid.  This program provides assistance for health care coverage to low-income populations.  PRFAA will continue to seek opportunities to increase the amount of federal assistance received under Medicaid.

Airport Improvements 

Airports are essential to the economy of Puerto Rico, carrying tourists to the Island, exporting pharmaceuticals and other products, and enabling local travel.  When Congress reauthorizes the federal Airport Improvement Program, PRFAA will seek increased resources for continued improvements of the Island's airports.

Water Resources 

PRFAA will continue to seek federal support and authorization for the dredging and restoration of Caño Martín Peña.  Congress will again consider the Water Resources Development Act, and it is essential that the authorization for El Caño be included in this bill.  Pursuing funding for multiple flood control and navigation projects on the Island will remain a priority.

Energy

Due to Puerto Rico's geography and location, local electrical generation relies primarily on imported oil, greatly increasing the cost of power.  PRFAA will work to improve Puerto Rico's energy situation by promoting renewable energy production, federal energy alternatives studies, local bio-energy and ethanol development, and seeking federal grants to improve Puerto Rico's electrical distribution network.