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An analysis from 2024 released by the civic group Popular Democracy shows that politicians in the highest positions have been receiving donations from Act 22 beneficiaries this year, which the organization argues is an effort to impact election outcomes.
Among those who received contributions, as indicated by the analysis, is Governor Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia, who is not contesting the election but has accepted more than $90,000.
The report also includes mentions of Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González Colón, the New Progressive Party (NPP) gubernatorial candidate, leaders within the Puerto Rico House of Representatives, and mayors from municipalities with the largest numbers of Act 22 beneficiaries — including San Juan and Dorado, according to a statement.
From January 2024 to July 2024, Act 22 beneficiaries contributed upwards of $210,000 to politicians from both the NPP and the Popular Democratic Party (PDP), based on the report. González Colón received $33,900, San Juan Mayor Miguel Romero Lugo got $10,400, Dorado Mayor Carlos López Rivera received $18,100, and PDP gubernatorial candidate Jesús Manuel Ortiz González was reported with $7,700.
In May of this year, the Puerto Rico No Se Vende coalition, Hedge Clippers, and the Center for Popular Democracy issued a report detailing the significant access and sway that Act 22 beneficiaries maintain over the elected officials in Puerto Rico.
Between 2013 and 2023, Act 22 beneficiaries contributed over $1 million in political donations. This funding, according to the report, was directed to 21 different elected representatives on the island, in addition to direct contributions to the PDP and the NPP, the two principal political parties in Puerto Rico.
Act 22 of 2012 — commonly referred to as the Law to Promote the Relocation of Investors to Puerto Rico — offers exemptions from local taxes on particular passive income earned by individuals who relocate to Puerto Rico, establish residency, and invest on the island.
