Governor Rosselló convenes extraordinary session to consider latest version of Act 80

(July 2, 2018 – La Fortaleza, San Juan) Governor of Puerto Rico Ricardo Rosselló announced today that he will convene the Legislative Assembly to an extraordinary session in order to favorably consider the latest measure of Act 80 (Puerto Rico Unjust Dismissal Act) that the Puerto Rico House of Representatives approved with the amendments presented by Senator Miguel Romero.

“If this legislative action occurs, I will wait for the acceptance of the Financial Oversight and Management Board (FOMB), confirming that they will validate the agreement again with all the benefits for our workers and vulnerable sectors,” said the chief executive in a message to the People of Puerto Rico.

The governor added that “if so, then I would sign that measure and we could leave behind this crisis to lead Puerto Rico towards its economic recovery.”

The ordinary session of the legislature concluded on Saturday, without being able to fulfill the agreement that the Executive had reached with the FOMB.

“Unfortunately, the Board has certified a new Fiscal Plan, with a budget that contains greater cuts than expected, affecting the payment of the Christmas bonus and putting at risk other benefits for workers, pensioners, as well as funds for essentials services,” expressed Rosselló.

According to the governor, the rejection of the agreement with the FOMB puts the Island on the path of congressional disputes and controversies that can lead Puerto Rico into recession and job loss.

“I trust that this call for an extraordinary session will serve to reverse the damage that the failure to fulfill the agreement with the Board may cause to the economy of the Island, as well as to important sectors of our society,” said the chief executive.

The governor indicated that the agenda of the extraordinary session will also include the measure that establishes the New Tax Model, to reduce tax rates for corporations and individuals.

The third measure that will also be included in the extraordinary session is the project of municipal payment plans.

“With this legislation, the payment plans of municipalities with public corporations and government agencies will be more flexible, making it easier for them to request participation in state programs that benefit the People,” expressed Rosselló.

Finally, the governor indicated that the agenda of the extraordinary session will consider the bill to increase the unemployment benefit, as discussed with the United States Labor Department.

The chief executive explained that “with this measure, people who were entitled to an unemployment payment, up to a maximum of $133 per week, may receive up to $190 per week. By 2020, that benefit would be up to $240 per week.”