NPP says fiscal measures approved by House are illegal

The leader of the New Progressive Party delegation in the island House of Representatives said the majority of measures approved in the lower chamber late Tuesday and early Wednesday failed to comply with the law because they were approved after midnight.

By The Star Staff

The island House of Representatives approved several fiscal measures late Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning. Still, the New Progressive Party (NPP) delegation alleges that many of them are void.

A Senate bill was approved without amendments to grant a salary differential of $1,000 per month to all teachers, non-teaching personnel and special services assistants who work in Vieques and Culebra.

In addition, lawmakers overrode Gov. Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia’s veto of House Bill 1894, which seeks to provide salary compensation to Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority employees to retain staff.

Meanwhile, the House also approved Senate Bill 443, which establishes a base salary of $2,250 per month for the Bureau of Emergency Management and Disaster Administration (NMEAD) staff.

However, Rep. Carlos “Johnny” Méndez Nuñez, who leads the NPP delegation in the lower chamber, said the majority of the measures failed to comply with the provisions of Act 9 of April 9, 1954 by not starting voting on measures before 12 midnight on June 25, which left dozens of bills and/or resolutions without being approved.

Tuesday, June 25, was the last day to pass bills in the current session, which ends this Sunday, June 30. Méndez Nuñez said the measures were approved after midnight.

Separately, House Speaker Rafael “Tatito” Hernández Montañez announced Wednesday that the Financial Oversight and Management Board agreed to extend the period for approval of Puerto Rico’s budget until Friday June 28.

The decision came after a formal request sent by the House on Tuesday, June 25.