House approves $13.18 billion General Fund budget

By THE STAR STAFF

The island House of Representatives approved by voice vote on Monday a $13.18 billion General Fund budget for fiscal year 2027, advancing a spending plan that outlines operating funds for the executive branch, the Legislature and the judicial branch.

The measure, House Resolution 356, assigns $13,180,532,000 from the General Fund.

The resolution, introduced by House Speaker Carlos “Johnny” Méndez Núñez and more than 30 representatives, details agency‑by‑agency appropriations, with public safety and health services emerging as the largest spending areas, according to the document.

The budget dedicates $1.23 billion to public safety agencies, including the Puerto Rico Police Bureau, Firefighters Bureau, Emergency Medical Corps and Emergency Management Bureau.

The Police Bureau alone receives $1.07 billion, driven largely by payroll, overtime, PayGo pension obligations and $27.8 million for cadet recruitment. The Firefighters Bureau receives $82.5 million, while the Emergency Medical Corps is assigned $27 million.

The Department of Public Safety’s shared services component is funded at $33.9 million.

The health sector receives some of the most substantial appropriations, including: $1.03 billion for the Health Insurance Services Administration, almost entirely for insurance premium payments under the government health plan; and $514.2 million for the Health Department, covering payroll, hospital operations, public health programs and federal matching requirements, as well as additional allocations for the University Pediatric Hospital, University Hospital (Adult), HURRA in Bayamón and the Intellectual Disability Program.

The Health Department’s budget includes targeted funding for autism services, emergency room operations, pediatric cancer treatment, hepatitis C testing and the Catastrophic Illnesses Fund.

With the House majority signaling support, the measure was expected to clear the chamber before moving to the Senate. Lawmakers emphasized that the spending plan maintains essential services while meeting federally mandated pension and healthcare obligations.

The budget vote comes as Puerto Rico continues navigating post‑bankruptcy fiscal controls and federal oversight. The Financial Oversight and Management Board is expected to review the final legislative version once both chambers complete action.