Para enmendar el Artículo 5 de Ley 84-2021, según enmendada, conocida como “Ley de Política Pública de Puerto Rico para Combatir la Pobreza Infantil y la Desigualdad Social” con el fin de incluir entre los miembros de la Comisión para Combatir la Pobreza y la Desigualdad Social en Puerto Rico al Secretario(a) del Departamento del Trabajo y Recursos Humanos o su representante designado, a la Procuradora de las Mujeres o su representante designado, un (1) representante designado por la Asociación de Alcaldes de Puerto Rico, un (1) representante designado por la Federación de Alcaldes de Puerto Rico, así como dos (2) miembros en representación del interés público recomendados respectivamente, uno (1) por el Presidente(a) de la Cámara de Representantes de Puerto Rico y uno (1) por el Presidente(a) del Senado de Puerto Rico al Gobernador(a); establecer los debidos procedimientos para tal designación; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Expands Puerto Rico's anti-poverty commission by adding labor secretary, women's ombudsperson, municipal representatives, and legislative-nominated public members to improve poverty-reduction coordination.

Retirada por su Autor

Legislative bill overview

Bill PC 1012 amends Puerto Rico's 2021 Law 84 on public policy to combat child poverty and social inequality by expanding the Commission's membership. The amendment adds six new members: the Secretary of Labor and Human Resources (or designee), the Women's Ombudsperson (or designee), representatives from two mayors' associations, and two public interest representatives nominated by legislative leaders.

Why is this important

The Commission on Combating Poverty and Social Inequality is responsible for designing and implementing strategies to reduce childhood poverty and inequality in Puerto Rico. Expanding its membership with labor, women's rights, municipal, and public representatives could improve coordination between government agencies, local governments, and civil society—potentially strengthening anti-poverty initiatives. However, a larger commission may face challenges in decision-making efficiency and coordination.

Potential points of contention

Representation balance: The bill adds government agency heads and political appointees, which could shift the commission's dynamics away from independent civil society voices toward state-centered decision-making

Municipal representation duplication: Including both the Association and Federation of Mayors may create redundancy or jurisdictional confusion about which organization's interests are being represented

Legislative influence: Allowing legislative leaders to nominate public interest representatives could introduce partisan considerations into what should be a merit-based, poverty-focused body