As US Steps In To Bailout Puerto Rico, Plaskett Sees Opportunity For VI

In wake of the U.S. Treasury Department’s announcement to support bankruptcy protection for debt-stricken Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett released the following statement via a press release issued on Thursday.

“While I applaud the efforts of the Administration to call upon Congress to help oursister territory, I intend to make sure any assistance proposed in Congress is sure to include the U.S. Virgin Islands in the discussion,” said Plaskett.

“Puerto Rico, unlike the other territories, does not fall within the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Interior, but under the auspices of the White House, hence the Administration’s announcement of support to address Puerto Rico’s issues. That does not mean, however, that Puerto Rico’s issues are unique. The U.S. Virgin Islands may be smaller in area and population than our sister territory of Puerto Rico, but we face the same economic development challenges and we have suffered even more in the wake of the recent Great Recession,” the Congresswoman added.

“I have long stated that Congress has an obligation to the territories; and while the territories must create new revenues and implement greater fiscal accountability, the federal government must do its part to reverse the decades of benign neglect, which has partially excluded the territories out of the broader benefits of the Affordable Care Act, and other impactful legislation. In order to ensure the residents and families of the U.S. Virgin Islands are considered in discussions around greatly-needed federal solutions, I intend to be a clear voice in the debate around any assistance emerging from Congress,” said Plaskett.

Congresswoman Plaskett said that she would be reaching out to the Obama Administration aswell as fellow Members of Congress in order to discuss the announced recovery proposal for Puerto Rico, which includes adjustments to Medicaid; Bankruptcy Protection for the Commonwealth, including legislation to provide protection for Puerto Rico municipalities.

Image Credit: New York Times.