<<<Back to News Center 2010

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

White House Answers Pierluisi's Call for Puerto Rico's Full Inclusion in the American Jobs Act

Washington, DC- “I am pleased to announce that Puerto Rico has been included in every major component of the American Jobs Act transmitted by President Obama to Congress. Under the proposed legislation, Puerto Rico would not only benefit from the proposed Social Security payroll tax reductions for employees and employers, but also from the proposed tax credits for companies that hire unemployed workers and veterans.

Moreover, Puerto Rico is treated like a state under the various provisions in the bill that would increase investments in infrastructure and school construction and repair, and in the provisions that would allocate funds to states and muncipalities to help them avoid the laying off--and encourage the hiring--of teachers, police officers and firefighters.

This is a great achievement for Puerto Rico, since we are treated equally at the start of the legislative process that will now take place to enact some or all of the President's proposals into law.

I am grateful for the support of Cecilia Muñoz and the White House Task Force, which fully heeded my call for just treatment for the Island.”