Res. No. 1241
Resolution denouncing the Governor of Puerto Rico’s “crisis solutions” imposed in response to Puerto Rico’s debt and budget difficulties, and urging him to work with all unionized sectors of government and public corporations to develop better policies to address these problems.
By Council Member Monserrate
Whereas, Since June 2005, the Governor and Legislature of Puerto Rico have been at an impasse over the proposed budget; and
Whereas, In July of 2005, Governor Anibal Acevedo Vila declared that, due to Puerto Rico’s debt and budget crisis, his administration would propose “crisis solutions”, which would include laying off 40,000 public employees, sub-contracting services and privatizing some services; and
Whereas, In addition, Governor Acevedo announced that, among other harsh measures, water usage rates would increase by 128 percent, bus fares by 50 percent, and highway tolls by 43 percent; and
Whereas, During this time of hardship, many labor union contracts are coming up for re-negotiation, and the Governor has already ruled out wage increases and declared that he will not sign any bills requiring increased spending; and
Whereas, The government’s policies have negatively effected the working people of Puerto Rico, and have threatened to interfere with the proper functioning of governmental services; and
Whereas, Social service cutbacks and increased prices have already affected many, and have had an especially negative impact on the poorest communities; and
Whereas, It is imperative that the Governor and Legislature work together to formulate more equitable and reasonable policies to address Puerto Rico’s financial difficulties; and
Whereas, It is also necessary for the Governor to direct all government agencies to bargain in good faith with the unionized sectors of government and public corporations, in connection with any contracts which are about to expire; and
Whereas, The Governor and Legislature should also involve the working people of Puerto Rico, via the unions, as partners in working out appropriate, fair and effective solutions to Puerto Rico’s problems; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York denounces the Governor of Puerto Rico’s “crisis solutions” imposed in response to Puerto Rico’s debt and budget difficulties, and urges him to work with all unionized sectors of government and public corporations to develop better policies to address these problems.
LS # 3704
JP 11/9/05