The Puerto Rico House of Representatives approved a $635.5 million increase to the current budget, which will expire on June 30, bringing the total spending plan to $13,730 million. The adjustment aims to settle debts of the Department of Education and the Puerto Rico Police, as well as finance municipal infrastructure and strengthen emergency reserves. However, it also allocates $3 million to fund 4th of July celebrations, which has been criticized by the Partido Independentista Puertorriqueño (PIP).
The PIP spokesperson, Denis Márquez, called the allocation 'scandalous' and 'terrible for the country', given the island's current crises, including a water crisis and lack of social workers. The legislation was approved with 48 votes in favor and three against. The resolution also includes $90.4 million for the Department of Education to pay retroactive Career Magisterial incentives to 5,850 active and inactive teachers, $80.6 million for overdue compensation to police officers, and $11.4 million to the Conservation Trust.
Governor Jenniffer González estimated that each teacher could receive approximately $15,000 in back pay.