Puerto Rico, The Neglected
Over a year and half ago, Hurricane Maria touched down at Puerto Rico, wreaking havoc on the island. We’ve come a long way since then—rebuilt and reinforced the island, undoing the damages and giving life to a new land—right? Wrong. The seemingly tucked-away truth is that Puerto Rico is still suffering deeply from the devastation of Maria. One town in particular, Salinas, was left virtually deserted—with families leaving since they are unable to afford repairs on their homes or find work in the area. So how has the government of the United States reacted to all this? Halfheartedly is how. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has denied over 58 percent of the applicants who applied for some form of relief aid, and those who were granted funds received measly portions. The average grant was roughly $1,800—a stark contrast for what victims of natural disaster were offered in Texas after Hurricane Harvey—$9,127.
So why is it that Puerto Rico draws the short straw? This is not a question that can be answered simply–the true answer is layered under years of colonization and exploitation. Hurricane Maria simply exacerbated the already-existing problems the U.S. territory is facing; everything from dwindling pension funds, to poor housing conditions, to issues with PROMESA, a federal law that established an oversight board for Puerto Rico’s finances. While statehood still continues to be a point of contention, one thing is for sure: the United States is just as responsible for the people of Puerto Rico as they for any state within the country—so it’s time they finally step up to the plate and do something about it.
– D.Y.
( The information above was drawn from the following sources:
In Salinas, Puerto Rico, Vulnerable Americans Are Still Trapped in the Ruins Left by Hurricane Maria
The 2019 Fiscal Budget
As we wrap up the March month we near the start of New York’s new fiscal year, April 1. Cuomo’s 2019 Executive Budget has become the target of major progressive reforms. Included have been talks of Marijuana legalization as well as congestion pricing to fund MTA repairs. Let’s take a look at some of the major topics surrounding this $176 billion budget.
Marijuana Legalization:
While in his State to the State address, Cuomo appeared determined to include marijuana legalization in the 2019 budget as we get closer to the due date it appears less likely that this will happen. The push for legalization is both a social and economic issue. Firstly, communities of color have been disproportionately criminalized for the use of marijuana. Secondly the legalization of marijuana offers a new revenue for taxes. While Marijuana could be legalized even if it does not make it into the budget this would be unlikely. These two points alone raise many questions such as how to ensure that the communities most affected by the criminalization of marijuana are able to benefit from the legalization of it or what the new tax revenue should be used for. As of now these questions are still unanswered and are not likely to be solved by April 1. Although marijuana could still be legalized even if it does not make it into the budget it is unlikely to happen without tax provisions.
Congestion Pricing and the MTA:
For decades NYCs public transit has suffered neglect and a lack of funding. While fare prices rise service remains stagnant. This neglect is caused by a variety of issues namely of which the lack of accountability in government. Unlike other government agencies, the MTA is technically an independent corporation. While MTA board members are appointed by the governor, the governor does not have control of their actions once appointed. The only power that government has over the MTA is funding. As a result of this – structure debates have gone on about who should be responsible for the cost of MTA upgrades. Should it come from the state, the city, or the MTA itself? Up until now Cuomo has downplayed his control over the MTA. In his budget proposal however he has included new reforms such as the creation of a new panel to oversee MTA spending. These proposals would give Cuomo a more control over the MTA. These proposals would also help to answer the question of funding by conducting a congestion pricing plan. Congestion pricing would implement a fee for those driving in certain parts of Manhattan which could then be used towards transit repairs.
“Green New Deal:
As federal government has ignored the reality of climate change we see state government stepping up to the plate. Following suite with California, Cuomo has adopted the Green New Deal which mandates that by 2040 New York be 100 percent carbon free. Including this goal in the budget, Cuomo has proposed to award a total of $1.5 billion to large scale renewable energy projects in New York. This is just one aspect of Cuomo’s proposed investments toward renewable energy. These proposals illustrate the pressing need to protect the future of our earth.
Opioid Tax:
It is no secret that we are in the middle of an opioid epidemic. To combat this Cuomo is proposing a tax on opioids that could be passed onto patients. This proposal is a reform to his original plan which was unfortunately denied by the courts. The original plan called for the manufacturing companies themselves to pay into a fund to fight substance abuse. Although it is clear that something must be done it is not yet clear whether this alternative will turn out to be a viable one.
– Kate McGorry
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/07/nyregion/cuomo-budget.html
The Junction Journal 