House prioritizes tax reform, water, schools and housing in new legislative session

House Speaker Carlos “Johnny” Méndez outlines key priorities for the new legislative session, including tax reform, water infrastructure, schools and housing.

By THE STAR STAFF

Reducing taxes, modernizing schools, building housing for the working class, rebuilding water infrastructure, and developing the former Roosevelt Roads naval base are among the priorities of Speaker of the House Carlos “Johnny” Méndez for the second legislative session of 2026, which begins this Monday.

Méndez emphasized that he will seek to promote tax reform, following the approval of a $560 million refund in the previous session. According to the House leader, the measure should benefit both citizens and small and medium-sized businesses.

“This is one of the most important sessions of the four-year term. We have an aggressive agenda aimed at improving the quality of life in our communities,” he said.

The House will also work on measures to reduce government bureaucracy and simplify processes in public agencies and instrumentalities, with the aim of facilitating services and reducing costs.

School modernization

Méndez pointed out that many school buildings are over 50 years old and announced that a public school modernization program will be evaluated, subject to the parameters established by the Fiscal Oversight Board.

In addition, the House will promote an initiative by the House Vice President, Yashira Lebrón, to increase the number of bilingual schools in Puerto Rico.

Another priority will be addressing the needs of people diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). According to data cited by the House, more than 11,700 children and some 21,500 adults have been diagnosed with autism.

The development of the former Roosevelt Roads Naval Base in Ceiba is also on the agenda. Méndez emphasized the need to improve the facility’s water and sewage system, whose infrastructure operates independently of the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority.

For his part, the president of the Government Commission, Víctor Parés, will work on a project called “The New Water Law for the Puerto Rico of the 21st Century”, aimed at increasing the storage, distribution and maintenance capacity of the drinking water infrastructure.

Medicaid and Housing

The House will also seek to maintain the federal Medicaid reimbursement level at 76%, an agreement that expires in 2027. Méndez argued that the issue is a priority due to its impact on some 700,000 people in Puerto Rico.

Regarding housing, the Speaker of the House estimated that approximately 50,000 residential units are needed, particularly for the working class. The Housing Committee, chaired by Representative Omayra Martínez, will evaluate alternatives to address the demand.

Currently, about 65 new homes are being built each month, a figure that Méndez considers insufficient given the country’s needs.

The legislative agenda also includes oversight of the electrical system, public safety, artificial intelligence, and health-related issues.