Puerto Rican academics seek official recognition for Island terms

The Puerto Rican Academy of the Spanish Language, an institution dedicated to the promotion and preservation of the Spanish language on the Island, has submitted a list of terms rooted on the Island to the dictionary of the Real Academia Española (Spanish Royal Academy), considered the official guide to the Spanish language around the world. Terms included are “güira” (easy thing), “jurutungo” (a remote place), and “perreo, most recently popularized in many songs by crossover Puerto Rican artists like Bad Bunny and Karol G. The Royal Academy will convene a panel of experts to review evidence of the terms’ widespread use. Of the hundreds of Puerto Rican terms sent last year, seventy were accepted.

Lawmakers urge IRS to crack down on tax cheats in Puerto Rico 

A group of Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives sent a letter last week demanding that the IRS accelerate its investigation of wealthy Americans who may be unlawfully taking advantage of Puerto Rican tax incentives. Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-NY) and a dozen colleagues signed a letter calling on the IRS to crack down on about 100 wealthy individuals who have claimed tax breaks meant to benefit people who relocate from the mainland to the Island and become bona fide residents of Puerto Rico. Initially created as an incentive to boost the Island’s economy, the local government has failed to verify that those taking advantage of the program were in compliance. Beneficiaries are required to buy a home in Puerto Rico within two years of becoming residents and donate at least $10,000 to local charities. In July, the IRS said it had identified 100 individuals claiming tax benefits who did not actually qualify for them.

US Army Corps completes San Juan power project

The US Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District, announced last week the completion of a $1 billion power project in San Juan. FEMA led this initiative intended to restore and improve electrical infrastructure and grid resilience and reliability. Sixteen temporary power generation systems were installed at the Palo Seco and San Juan power plants, initially built in 1959 and 1964, respectively. The power plants had major stabilization issues since being built, which were exacerbated by the natural disasters of the last six years.

Puerto Rico enacts extended maternity leave for public sector employees 

In recent weeks, Act No. 129-2023 was signed into law, increasing the duration of maternity leave for government employees. Maternity leave will now be 16 weeks, with 4 weeks for prenatal leave, 8 weeks after birth, and four additional weeks for childcare. Pregnant women have the flexibility to use just one week of prenatal leave and use the next 15 after giving birth. If a government employee chooses to adopt a child under five years of age, they are entitled to the same maternity benefits as a birth parent. If they adopt a minor age 6 or older, however, they are only entitled to 15 days of maternity leave.