TaxesSo far, the petition has gathered more than 150,000 signatures and has had vocal support from actor and Ted Cruz roaster Mark Hamill and
The proposed tax bill before Congress continues to treat Puerto Rico as a foreign territory and includes a 12.5 percent tax on intellectual property for companies operating in the island. This would impact negatively the island's fragile economy, costing thousands of jobs. This is an easy one given that the tax doesn't exist yet. It can simply be removed from the tax-reform bill right now before Congress votes on this ill advised tax bill.
Healthcare
3.4 million Americans live on the island, but Puerto Rico receives only a small portion of the Medicaid funding that it would qualify for as a state. The island’s hospitals and health centers are struggling in the wake of the storm. We all have watched in horror how the death toll has been undercounted—by perhaps 1,000 people, according to credible estimates. With the health of so many at risk, let's provide Medicaid parity while streamlining enrollment to many who are not working and need health care.
Relief package
Congress must move quickly on the $94 billion aid package requested by the Puerto Rican government. The initial $5 billion aid package was far short of what is needed. Incredible partnerships with groups like the Hispanic Federation were made possible by the generosity of everyday Americans—including so many MoveOn members. That helped to provide food and water. But that's not enough.
Debt relief
Puerto Rico's creditors should do the right thing and walk away. It is the only way forward. Anything short of full debt forgiveness would be a brutal form of economic punishment to a people already suffering.
We welcome readers to submit letters regarding articles and content in Orlando Weekly. Letters should be a minimum of 150 words, refer to content that has appeared on Orlando Weekly, and must include the writer's full name, address, and phone number for verification purposes. No attachments will be considered. Writers of letters selected for publication will be notified via email. Letters may be edited and shortened for space.
Email us at feedback@orlandoweekly.com.
Orlando Weekly works for you, and your support is essential.
Our small but mighty local team works tirelessly to bring you high-quality, uncensored news and cultural coverage of Central Florida.
Unlike many newspapers, ours is free – and we'd like to keep it that way, because we believe, now more than ever, everyone deserves access to accurate, independent coverage of their community.
Whether it's a one-time acknowledgement of this article or an ongoing pledge, your support helps keep Orlando’s true free press free.