Lawmaker files proposal to extend water, electricity payments for recipients of social assistance & federal employees

Rep. Gretchen Hau Irizarry

By THE STAR STAFF

Rep. Gretchen Hau Irizarry (Cidra and Cayey) proposed over the weekend that, given the federal government shutdown and the suspension of federal aid and salaries, the island government activate the mechanisms available under laws and regulations to establish an extension for water and electricity payments.

“It is advisable that the state government respond to address the payment of basic obligations such as water and electricity,” Hau Irizarry said. “Our recommendation is that both PRASA and LUMA Energy extend payment deadlines or provide a postponement for recipients of assistance and, of course, federal employees.”

The Popular Democratic Party legislator added that the government shutdown will continue since the Senate will not reconvene until Monday.

“The Senate press office reported last Thursday that the session was adjourned at 3:25 p.m. local time and will not reconvene until Monday at 3:00 p.m. (ET),” she said.

The federal government shutdown dramatizes the struggle of Democratic lawmakers demanding an extension of Obamacare subsidies, which expire at the end of the year, in the face of rising premiums. Experts say the move will further significantly increase premiums by 2026. If their demand is not met, Democrats have said they will not provide Republicans with the votes they need to pass a budget that would end the federal government shutdown.

“We must do everything possible to assist both federal employees and those receiving aid until an agreement can be reached that allows the federal government to resume operations,” Hau Irizarry said.