From The Star Team
The transition to new leadership in the island House of Representatives commenced over the weekend in a fashion that was both transparent and open, as stated by House Speaker Rafael “Tatito” Hernández Montañez on Sunday.
The House leader characterized the initial meeting as friendly and asserted that his administration is prepared to showcase the outcomes of the strict controls and solid administrative practices implemented to rectify the institution’s finances.
“Throughout these past four years, we have applied fiscal and administrative controls to stabilize the finances of the House of Representatives, through precise actions and a strong, stable, and harmonious relationship with entities such as the AAFAF [Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority], the Treasury Department, OGP [Office of Management and Budget], and the [Financial] Oversight [and Management] Board,” Hernández Montañez remarked.
“This effective negotiation and the steadfastness of our team have led to the success that today we possess a budget of $2.5 million designated for employee liquidations set to conclude in December 2024,” he further mentioned.
Another key accomplishment highlighted by Hernández Montañez was that the House completed its four-year term without any outstanding debts or new pending claims, leaving a reserve of $461,913 for the incoming administration. He also revealed a projected cash balance of approximately $4.8 million as of December 31, 2024.
Meanwhile, legislators underscored a variety of technological advancements achieved during the term that will facilitate the ongoing legislative work in an effective and organized manner. These achievements included:
* The establishment of a “dashboard” on the official website of the lower chamber detailing the House of Representatives’ expenses for accountability purposes.
* The integration of annual financial statements into the House’s financial system.
* The complete overhaul of all communication switches within the computer network to avert cyber threats and enhance the technological infrastructure of the lower chamber. (Cybersecurity)
* The upgrade of the voting computers (EVOTE) in the House chamber.
* The rollout of the Electronic Filing System for Measures.
* The installation of robotic cameras in all hearing rooms to facilitate remote public hearings via ZOOM.
* The total replacement of computers in legislative and administrative offices.
* The enhancement of the Attendance and Human Resources Registration System.
* The launch of an app for service requests in the Citizen Services Office.
* The development of an app that allows remote attendance to the House’s primary telephone switchboard.
* The acquisition of laptops for the Purchasing and Services, Finance and Budget, and Human Capital offices to ensure that main operations can continue remotely in emergencies.
“Implementing technology from the outset enabled us to ensure transparency, citizen engagement, and information access,” the outgoing House speaker stated. “We demonstrated that through effective administrative strategies, we could safeguard the integrity of the institution and restore credibility to our [House] of Representatives. We leave this achievement as a legacy to the people and trust that the new administration will build upon it.”
