tudy: Economy leading factor for Puerto Ricans moving to Florida

A new survey unveiled Monday in Washington, D.C. sheds new light on factors contributing to Puerto Ricans moving to the state of Florida. The Puerto Rico Research Hub, which is housed at the University of Central Florida, released the study which found that the economy was the reason most often cited by people who had left the Island for the Sunshine State. The study also touched on other economic and political issues. Nearly half (49 percent) of the 271 respondents hold full-time jobs and 90 percent say that they received no public assistance. Survey participants also reported that they spend 30 percent of their income on housing. About 9 in 10 people (88 percent) said that financial challenges resulted in limited access to medical care. Three-quarters (77 percent) plan to vote in the upcoming presidential election, with 45 percent saying they will vote Democratic.

Island’s hotel construction on the rise

Puerto Rico is experiencing a steady increase in the construction of new hotels and lodging facilities, driven by high levels of tourism on the Island. Since 2021, more than two dozen such sites have begun operation, and 1,727 new rooms have been added to the inventory, according to data from the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC). The construction represents an investment of $592 million over that period. Four new facilities are scheduled to open before the end of the year. On peak dates, approximately 80 to 90 percent of rooms are occupied. During fiscal year 2023-24, the Island took in $145 million in room tax collections, a record high. Two Hilton brand hotels being built in the Convention Center District will result in more than 300 construction-phase jobs and more than 100 ongoing jobs.

Policy briefing on Puerto Rico to be held Wednesday

The Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI) will conduct a policy briefing this week for individuals interested in hearing perspectives on recent developments in Puerto Rico. The event will be held Wednesday, July 31, at 4:00 pm in 2060 Rayburn House Office Building. Opening remarks will be delivered by CHLI Chairwoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón (PR).  Topics will include the Island’s economic revitalization and the infrastructure reconstruction post-Hurricane Maria, as well as the strategic significance of Puerto Rico for U.S. national security. People interested in attending can register here.