Contrary to misconceptions, Puerto Ricans make multibillion-dollar contributions to the treasury
According to data from the IRS, the people of Puerto Rico have contributed between $3 billion and $4.6 billion annually to the federal treasury, a figure that is greater than the contributions of at least a half-dozen states, including Vermont, Wyoming, and the Dakotas. Despite this, the Supreme Court recently ruled that Puerto Ricans are not entitled to equal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Justices reasoned, in part, that Puerto Ricans can be denied such benefits because they are exempt from paying certain U.S. taxes. Both President Biden and Governor Pedro Pierluisi have called on Congress to address this injustice and end the discrimination against people who live on the Island. Under current law, the Northern Marianas Islands is the only territory with full access to federal SSI Benefits. SSI benefits provide financial support for people over the age of 65, the blind and permanently disabled, and people with low incomes. While Congress fails to address the issue, thousands of families on the Island struggle to pay their bills. Meanwhile, thousands of others continue to leave Puerto Rico by the day, seeking the benefits that are out of reach for them on the Island.
First major power grid reconstruction projects announced
Officials announced this past week that major reconstruction on the Island’s power grid is finally moving forward nearly five years after Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico. Over $100 million will be spent in the coming months for the first 15 of more than 200 projects. The projects aim to modernize the grid to protect it from future storms and reduce the current spate of regular blackouts, as well as repair thousands of streetlights across the Island. Local officials predict that an additional 21 of the 200 projects will be quickly approved by FEMA, which has set aside $650 million to restore the grid.
Expansion of maritime services secures eligibility for Federal funding
The US Department of Transportation, through its Maritime Administration (MARAD), has announced that a proposal to create reliable maritime routes through Ceiba, Culebra, and Vieques is eligible for federal funding. The Puerto Rico Maritime Transportation Services can now apply for and secure funds from the bipartisan infrastructure law passed in 2021 for a project to connect Puerto Rico with the two islands in a more effective way. Currently, a ferry service is the only way to travel between the islands and transportation of goods is difficult. Once funding is secured, the project will build and provide regular reliable routes that will allow people on Culebra and Vieques easier access to items such as food, groceries, construction equipment, and more.
Puerto Rican Day Parade returns to NYC
After a two-year hiatus due to the Covid pandemic, the Puerto Rican Day Parade returned to New York City on Sunday, June 12. Organizers estimated that 1 million people would attend the parade and take part in the diaspora’s largest celebration of Puerto Rican music, people, and culture. In 2020 and 2021, organizers were forced by the pandemic to scale down the event into televised celebrations. Sunday’s return to a traditional street festival, marking the 65th anniversary of the event, featured stars such as Nicky Jam and Angie Martinez, while Education Secretary Miguel Cardona served as the parade’s grand marshal.
