José F. Aponte Hernández is an accountant and a Representative at Large in the Puerto Rico House of Representatives. He represents the *Partido Nuevo Progresista * and previously served as Speaker of the House from January 2005 to January 2009. He resides in San Lorenzo and has been a vocal advocate for Puerto Rico statehood, testifying before the U.S. Congress in February 2023.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Earned a bachelor's degree in Accounting from the University of Puerto Rico at Rio Piedras in 1980.
• Political Experience: Appointed in 2000 to fill the vacancy left by his brother, Néstor Aponte Hernández, in District 33 . Elected for a full term in 2000 and re-elected as At-Large Representative since 2005, including in 2012. Served as PNP Secretary-General from 1996–1997 and 1997–1999. Also a member of the Puerto Rico Republican Party.

Notable Achievements and Positions

• Promoted the Economic Incentives Act for Puerto Rico's Development, replacing the 1998 Tax Incentives Act.
• Advocated fiscal reforms to cut government spending; created the Special Cruise Ship Incentive Fund and Porta del Sol Tourist Destination.
• Co-sponsored the Air Charter Incentive Program for Aguadilla's Rafael Hernández Airport.
• Established the Isamar Malaret Scholarship for special education students and Free Internet Access Centers island-wide.
• In health: Created Mental Health Commission, amended Mental Health Law for insurance coverage, Puerto Rico Compulsive Gambler Assistance Program, and Diabetes Registry.