PR Chamber of Commerce Takes Action in Washington

Four years after Hurricane Maria the Chamber promotes reactivating the economy

September 20, 2021 (San Juan, Puerto Rico) – The Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce (PRCC) is sending a delegation to Washington to explain, support and request approval for several congressional initiatives that will help reactivate the economy in the areas of health, food, contributions and manufacturing, reported the Lcdo. Luis A. Gierbolini Rodriguez, president of the Camaristas, through a press release. “The Federal Affairs Committee of the PRCC has organized an effort called “Federal Affairs Chamber Educational Series” (FACES) with the purpose of educating and lobbying for a common agenda for Puerto Rico, not only in Congress and the Federal Government but through third sector organizations from the business perspective,” explained Gierbolini Rodriguez.

In the area of health, the PRCC is concentrating its efforts on petitioning and achieving an additional allocation of $1 billion dollars for Isla and maintaining the percentage of federal medical assistance (FMAP) at 76%, since Puerto Rico does not receive parity of federal funds for the Medicaid and Medicare health programs, compared to states.

On the issue of food, the request is for food justice for residents in Puerto Rico and to be able to transition from the Nutritional Assistance Program (PAN), to the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) that is not currently applicable to Puerto Rico and would represent an increase in both the monthly allowance received by participants and the number of beneficiaries who could qualify. On the tax and manufacturing area, proposed tax changes in the manufacturing sector will be discussed this week. “We are at a historic juncture in the federal tax area and its relationship with the companies that operate in Puerto Rico. It is imperative to be present in the federal capital at this time defending these companies,” said CPA Kenneth Rivera, former president of the PRCC and who is part of the visit to Washington.

“The PRCC has introduced a topic on the new economy requesting the exception of the “Wire Act” for Puerto Rico to allow the gaming and entertainment industry on the Island not to have that limitation and can become a center of tourist attraction by opening up to international markets,” said Teresita Santiago, second vice president of the CCPR.

“The Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce will be inserted into any federal discussion from the perspective of small and medium-sized Puerto Rican merchants. It is necessary for the U.S. Congress to know that there are thousands of vigilant merchants and with hopes that the government system will execute substantial changes and aid to promote economic development for Puerto Rico. Our FACES educational tool will serve as a reference for Congressmen, the Federal Executive Branch and organizations to advance these and other issues for the benefit of the country,” concluded the Lcdo. Luis A. Gierbolini Rodriguez.

The FACES mission to Washington DC will take place from September 19 to 23 and will be composed of approximately 12 people including President-Elect Cameron McKenzie; the Second Vice-President of the CCPR, Teresita Santiago; the Third Vice President of the organization, Dr. Jeannette Vázquez; and Liza García,Esq.,  Director of Legal and Legislative Affairs, among others.

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Contact: Sandra González
787.487.5486
sgonzalez@camarapr.net

Press Coverage:

• • Cargada la agenda económica en la capital federal, El Nuevo Día, 26 de sept.