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On Thursday, Jenniffer González Colón, who is likely to be the next governor of Puerto Rico, announced that she will not permit the Financial Oversight and Management Board to exert influence over specific issues.
“There are two aspects. Firstly, I will not permit the Board to intrude in matters that fall under the state’s authority,” González Colón expressed during a press briefing. “Secondly, there are those [issues] that justifiably require the use of public funds linked to the Fiscal Plan, which undoubtedly must involve the oversight board. However, these matters will be coordinated to ensure that the legislation presented faces no hindrances from the Board, and if any arise, I will address it directly and pursue the necessary actions to advocate for that legislation.”
“I need to schedule a meeting with the Board in the upcoming weeks,” she further mentioned. “I haven’t arranged it yet; we are still in a phase where the vote remains open and I am managing other details. But that meeting will occur, and I am confident that we will be able to lay out the work plan.”
When queried about the areas where the oversight board lacks authority, González Colón responded: “You will see, you will see when we submit the legislation.”
Her remarks were made during a press conference where the leadership of the Senate was selected following the vote tally, which has yet to be certified by the State Elections Commission, indicating that the New Progressive Party is regaining a majority in the Senate (see related story on page 3). Thomas Rivera Schatz was elected as president, with Sen. Carmelo Ríos Santiago named as one vice president, while a female vice president will be appointed once the electoral counting process concludes.
Sen. Gregorio Matías Rosario will serve as the majority spokesman, with Sen. Juan Oscar Morales as the alternate spokesman.
The committee structures and their leadership have yet to be determined.
“I would like to announce the votes that we have for the new president-elect of the Senate of Puerto Rico, Senator Thomas Rivera Schatz,” González Colón remarked. “I congratulate him on this achievement and his dedication to serving the people of Puerto Rico. The Senate caucus has also decided by vote to create two vice presidencies, one for a man and one for a woman. Given that some seats remain outstanding with the 10 percent yet to be counted and from the early voting, the female vice presidency has not yet been filled at this point. As several female colleagues may join the Legislature, this decision can be made.”
