How will the new economic stimulus affect Puerto Rico? These are the numbers assigned to the island

In the amount of $ 900,000 million, the US Congress approved a new economic stimulus package in the face of the COVID-19 crisis that includes a check for $ 600 to the majority of US citizens and an extension of the unemployment subsidy.

However, these are not the only financial support included in this package, but points have also been approved to save small and medium-sized businesses that had suffered serious losses in recent months.

Next, we break down the main relief included in the new economic stimulus package for the COVID-19 pandemic.

Aid directly affecting Puerto Rico and its objects:

– You get one $ 600 check to majority of citizens. In the case of couples, the check is $ 1,200 for those with an income up to $ 150,000, and it is zero when they reach an income of $ 174,000. An additional $ 600 can be received for any dependent under the age of 18.

– Federal assistance from $ 300 a week for unemployment from the end of December 26 to the middle of March (11 weeks). This amount is in addition to assistance from the Puerto Rico government. If the local government gives $ 180, it will be added to the federal government’s new $ 300.

– $ 300 per week through the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program (PUA) for 11 weeks beginning December 26.

– $ 518 million for the Nutrition Assistance Program (PAN).

– $ 2.7 million for the island’s highway program.

– $ 100,000 for inspections of the conditions of projects in Puerto Rico.

– $ 126,000 for the inspection of projects completed by the Corps of Engineers on Puerto Rican soil.

– $ 4.07 million for exploitation and maintenance of dredging of the fairways of the port of San Juan.

– $ 29.2 million for the transition at the Borinquen airbase of the Coast Guard in Aguadilla from helicopters MH-65 to MH-60.

– $ 37 million in front of the Fort Allen Preparation Center, Puerto Rico’s National Guard.

– $ 400,000 to support the operation and maintenance of the tactical communications system of the National Security Investigations Division of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service (ICE) in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

Other help that Puerto Rico will benefit from, without specific items designated for the island:

– $ 324,000 million for another round of the Small and Medium Business Mortgage and Payroll Protection Program (PPP). This time it includes non-profit organizations, museums, the media (radio, television and press), theaters and faith-based organizations. However, it does not apply to trade unions.

– $ 20,000 million for the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine.

– $ 2 billion in assistance, which would be managed by state governments, to help families with their funeral expenses related to COVID-19.

– $ 300 million Low-income families affected by the pandemic are helping to pay rent for their homes.

– $ 2 million for the program to reimburse transport costs for farmers and ranchers in geographically disadvantaged areas.

– $ 2 million for the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Island Grant Program.

– $ 1,375 million for the construction of the wall on the border with Mexico.

– $ 82,000 million for educational systems. Of this total, 22.7 billion dollars is earmarked for higher education institutions.

The legislative package – which spans 5,593 pages – must be enacted by December 28.

At the local level is the secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Francisco Parés, said he is already talking to the federal Tax Office (IRS) to get the accurate details and start the disbursement process once the project is approved.

“We have already started drafting the distribution plan that must be approved by the IRS and the Federal Treasury in order to make payments,” said Parés. The new day.