Fiscal board approves funds for Special Ed transportation, gov’t tech expenses

By THE STAR STAFF

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón on Wednesday announced the allocation of $26.5 million to cover school transportation costs for the Special Education Program and the renewal of technology services used by government entities, following the Financial Oversight and Management Board’s approval of the funds.

“This approval, secured by my administration, allows us to direct resources toward an essential service for our Special Education students and their families,” the governor stated in a written release. “Our priority is ensuring students have the transportation they need to access their education, while we work responsibly to plan the resources required to provide these services.” 

Of the total approved amount, $20,512,287 will be transferred to the Department of Education from allocations held by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Those funds are authorized exclusively to cover school transportation costs for the Special Education Program during the first semester of the 2027 fiscal year.

The second approved transfer amounts to $6 million from the General Fund -- held by the OMB -- to the Puerto Rico Innovation and Technology Service (PRITS). The funds will cover the remaining balance needed to renew centralized Microsoft 365 licenses and Microsoft Azure cloud services used by government entities.

“We are also addressing the technological tools our agencies use daily to carry out their functions and provide services to our people,” González Colón added.

Additionally, the oversight board approved the transfer of $53,081,084 to the Department of Economic Development and Commerce for the disbursement of incentives under Act 60-2019. The funds include allocations for export development, green energy and other economic development incentives. The reprogramming of $621,294 for the Firefighters Bureau Academy was also approved. The funds are earmarked for the purchase of uniforms, protective gear and specialized equipment.

The oversight board also approved $1,125,000 for the Family Department to continue implementing an evidence-based family recruitment model aimed at strengthening permanency options for minors in foster care.