--
Attorney Verónica Ferraiuoli Hornedo, part of the new government Transition Committee, advised agencies that have yet to testify before the committee on Monday to prioritize their reports with a focus on the critical needs of the agencies, any potential loss of federal funding, and other pressing issues rather than just listing their successes.
During the morning session with the Department of Labor and Human Resources (DTRH in Spanish), Ferraiuoli Hornedo expressed her unease, indicating it was a “personal request.”
“Perhaps because I’m a novice in these matters, I expected the transition meetings to be somewhat different,” she remarked. “We belong to the same [political] party, yet there are differences in execution. … I anticipated that what we would hear from the various agencies wouldn’t be solely about achievements. …”
“I also expected our discussions to revolve around the agencies’ issues, particularly regarding federal programs that are concluding or modifications to legislation,” Ferraiuoli Hornedo continued. “We have a wonderful opportunity with a majority in both the House and Senate to implement changes. …”
Using the DTRH’s presentations as an example, Ferraiuoli Hornedo pointed out that agency officials omitted significant topics that warranted discussion, including the staffing shortages.
“I don’t believe I noticed any mention from you regarding the need for additional personnel [in the agency] to manage the changes that are currently in effect and those we aspire to make,” she stated. “I did not see that reflected in the presentation, nor do I believe I have seen it in other presentations.”
“To be honest, I didn’t think it was necessary, but we will need to formally request that the agencies inform us if there are any programs with funds that are about to expire,” she further added. “We must establish a clear understanding of the programs at our disposal, and we will make that request in writing. Therefore, for those agencies preparing their reports, it would greatly assist us if they adhered to our expectations without us having to remind them. …”
Additionally, on Monday, Caridad Pierluisi, the sister of Governor Pedro Pierluisi and head of the Office of the Governor, expressed on Magic 97.3 FM her bewilderment regarding the incoming Transition Committee’s criticisms concerning agencies’ performance during the Pierluisi administration.
