PRFAA at Work

Each and every workday, the men and women of the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration dedicate themselves to the task of ably representing and advancing the interests of the Government of Puerto Rico before federal, state, and local governments. The PRFAA team is one that is focused on promoting Governor Fortuño's economic and public policy initiatives to achieve a better quality of life for the people of Puerto Rico. In carrying out its responsibilities, PRFAA works closely with agencies throughout the Government of Puerto Rico, as well as with Puerto Rico legislative leaders and mayors.

In this capacity, PRFAA's Washington headquarters office serves as the primary liaison between Puerto Rico officials, the White House, Congress, and federal agencies. Additionally, PRFAA regularly interacts with national organizations representing Governors from other states, including the National Governors Association (NGA) and the Southern Governors' Association, to advance Puerto Rico's interests.

Like other states and territories, PRFAA's focus areas include economic stimulus and development, transportation funding, energy, health care including Medicare and Medicaid, as well as issues that affect veteran's and our national defense.

PRFAA Washington Roles and Responsibilities

•  Articulating and advocating gubernatorial and Puerto Rico-related policy positions to Members of Congress and their staff, the White House, federal agencies, state offices and national organizations.

•  Collaborating with the Resident Commissioner to assist him in his duties as representative in Congress of the 4 million U.S. citizens of Puerto Rico, a constituency more than six times greater in size than that of any other U.S. Congressman.

•  Serving as a primary focal point in the nation's capital for the Governor, the Governor's staff, and senior state officials.

•  Providing guidance and support to individuals, businesses, municipalities and other organizations in successfully navigating the federal grants process.

•  Providing status reports on federal initiatives and representing the island's priorities in Washington, D.C.

•  Communicating with national, regional and specialty media on issues of importance to the Governor and Puerto Rico.

•  Serving as a point of contact for state citizens and businesses in their contacts with the Washington, D.C. community.

During the first four months of 2009 alone, PRFAA has provided critical support in advancing the Federal agenda of more than a dozen Puerto Rico Government Cabinet members and agency heads, as well as Puerto Rico legislative leaders and mayors. The agency has played – and continues to play - a critical role in helping to secure hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding for vital infrastructure, public security, health and education programs, among others.

As part of these efforts, the agency also embarked this year on an intensive round of workshops held throughout the island, aimed at helping agency and municipal government staff - as well as staff from non-profit organizations- compete successfully for available federal grant and funding opportunities.