PIP seeks to investigate consequences of dependence on federal funds

From left, Puerto Rican Independence Party Reps. Adriana Gutiérrez Colón, Denis Márquez Lebrón and Nelie Lebrón Robles

By THE STAR STAFF

The Puerto Rican Independence Party (PIP) delegation in the House of Representatives announced Thursday the filing of a measure, House Resolution 436, that orders an investigation into the economic, social and fiscal implications of Puerto Rico’s dependence on federal funds.

“The NPP [New Progressive Party] and PDP [Popular Democratic Party] administrations have irresponsibly dismissed the possibility of creating a comprehensive plan to reduce dependence on federal funds, which has fostered a mentality of dependency, as if we lacked the capacity to create, manage, and strengthen our own economic base,” PIP House Minority Leader Denis Márquez Lebrón said. “The colonial economic model is unsustainable and that has been proven beyond doubt by hurricanes Irma and Maria, the 2020 earthquakes, and COVID-19. It is equally alarming that this model is being threatened by Trump’s restrictive and punitive policies, which have already resulted in significant cuts to vital programs in Puerto Rico.”

“The country must prepare for a scenario that does not foresee the long-term sustainability of a dependent, colonial economy,” added PIP Alternate Minority Leader Adriana Gutiérrez Colón. “This situation must be investigated urgently, given the obvious socioeconomic and fiscal consequences it has for Puerto Rico.”

Rep. Nelie Lebrón Robles stated that “the government of Puerto Rico cannot continue perpetuating a culture of dependency.”

“We have the capacity to create a comprehensive, all-encompassing, and long-term plan that lays the foundation for breaking the cycle of dependency in its various forms, not one that could collapse at any moment and leave Puerto Rico without essential services,” she said.