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 from existing members to include labor secretary, women's ombudsperson, municipal representatives, and legislative-nominated public interest members to broaden policy input.

Remitido a Comisión de Calendarios de la Cámara

Legislative bill overview

Bill PC 1034 amends Puerto Rico's 2021 anti-poverty law by expanding the Commission to Combat Poverty and Social Inequality to include seven new members: the Secretary of Labor and Human Resources, the Women's Ombudsperson, representatives from two mayoral associations, and two public interest representatives nominated by legislative leaders. The bill establishes procedures for these appointments.

Why is this important

This restructuring fundamentally changes the commission's composition and representation, potentially shifting its priorities and decision-making power. It expands municipal government participation and adds a gender-focused perspective while establishing clearer nomination processes for public interest seats, which could enhance accountability but also increase political influence over anti-poverty policy implementation.

Potential points of contention

Political control: Linking public interest appointments to legislative leaders (Chamber and Senate presidents) may introduce partisan considerations into poverty-reduction efforts

Municipal representation: Including both the Mayors Association and Mayors Federation creates potential redundancy and unclear division of responsibilities

Ombudsperson dual-hatting: Adding the Women's Ombudsperson may dilute focus on gender-specific poverty issues versus general anti-poverty work

Commission enlargement: More members could slow decision-making and dilute individual accountability

Labor Department dominance: Including the Labor Secretary as a voting member gives one executive department significant influence over poverty policy