Jenniffer González asks Joe Biden for help against COVID-19, benefit parity and stands for the island

Washington DC– Washington resident Commissioner Jenniffer González sent a letter to President Joe Biden this weekend outlining her list of priorities for the island, including aid against COVID-19, investment incentives in manufacturing, and the proposal.

Overall, González, who consults with Republicans, has asked Biden, a Democrat, to work together to address the inequalities Puerto Rico faces in accessing social welfare programs.

Biden has announced that he will send Congress a “bailout plan” – which will amount to approximately $ 1.9 billion (trillions in English) – aimed at addressing the economic crisis triggered by the coronavirus and addressing the emergency at home. area of ​​health.

In light of this legislation, González indicated to Biden that Puerto Rico “has the capacity, staff and infrastructure to increase manufacturing production of pharmaceuticals and medical devices to address this COVID-19 epidemic,” González said .

The commissioner asked Biden to ensure that Puerto Rico – as with previous Democratic measures – is included in the section of legislation proposing $ 350 million to provide fiscal assistance to state and municipal governments.

Republicans in Congress – including Sen. Rick Scott (Florida) – have criticized that part of the legislation, seeing it as a “bailout” of governments controlled by Democrats.

González also backed Biden’s proposal to allocate nearly $ 900 million in food aid for the island, indicating that the Nutritional Assistance Program (PAN) is one of the first Puerto Rican residents ask for in times of need.

Regarding Biden’s plan to increase the federal credit for dependent children (CTC) to between $ 3,000 and $ 3,600, González recalled that one of the issues pending in Congress is to give the island full access to that. program.

Under federal law, only Puerto Rico residents who have three or more children can access that program.

“Puerto Rico is the jurisdiction with the highest poverty rate, with 45% of the general population below the federal poverty level”, he pointed.

In the letter, González also recalled the claims – which Biden backed as a presidential candidate – to find a permanent solution to the unequal treatment the island is receiving under the Medicaid program, which largely funds the health plan of the Puerto Rico government.

In this sense, he warned that if new funds are not allocated to the island, Puerto Rico, which has allocated $ 2.8 billion in Medicaid funds this year, will have only about $ 400 million available on October 1, making the entire health care system at risk, Puerto Rican health.

Asks to attend “task unfinished”

Commissioner González added in her letter a call to Biden to engage in “the unfinished task” of Puerto Rico’s political future, following the Creole referendum on November 3, in which 52.5% of voters supported a state.

While on a personal level, Biden believes a state is the best alternative for Puerto Rico to have equal representation and assistance from the federal government, he is committed to supporting a binding process involving representatives of all status alternatives.

“On the day of their election, the people of Puerto Rico affirmed by a clear majority their choice to value their US citizenship and to strive for the fulfillment of their rights and obligations as an equal part of our great union of states. On the day of the inauguration, members of our National Guard, who cannot vote for their commander-in-chief, defended the capital. We count on you to commit your government to doing justice and addressing this unfinished task, ”said González.

Democratic and Republican Senate leaders have warned that there is no environment to push forward a proposal from a state in that legislative body, although debate is expected this semester in the federal lower house’s Natural Resources Committee.