Puerto Rico News Digest For October 12, 2015

TODAY IS COLUMBUS DAY

Today, October 12, is Columbus Day (Día de la Raza). Federal and co-
mmonwealth government offices are closed today. There is no school or
mail delivery, and most financial institutions are closed for the day. The
day commemorates Christopher Columbus' arrival in America. In some
places, it is seen as a day to celebrate the native peoples of the Americas.

US SENATORS URGE CHAPTER 9 ACCESS

From The San Juan Daily Star:

"Twelve U.S. senators, including the top Democrat on the Senate Judici-
ary Committee (Patrick Leahy of Vermont) and the top Democrat on the
Judiciary panel subcommittee that has jurisdiction over the bankruptcy
code (Chris Coons of Delaware) on Thursday wrote Senate Judiciary Co-
mmittee Chairman Charles Grassley a letter seeking a hearing on S. 1774
/H.R. 870, companion bills that would give Puerto Rico access to Chapter
9 bankruptcy protections equal to that of the 50 states..."

POLICE INVESTIGATE TRIPLE KILLING IN BAR

From Caribbean Business:

"Puerto Rico police say three men have been killed and four other people
wounded in a San Juan bar shooting. Sgt. Omayra Arnaldi Vélez says ab-
out 20 people were inside the El Regreso bar in the Hato Rey district when
the shooting took place at about 2:24 a.m. Sunday. She says police have not
yet established a motive or identified the three dead, who were men between
the ages of 20 and 30..."

CUOMO SENDS MEDICAID EXPERT TO PR

From Syracuse.com:

"Gov. Andrew Cuomo is sending his top Medicaid official to Puerto Rico
today, the administration's second trip in two months to help improve the
commonwealth's healthcare system. Cuomo announced Sunday the group
would visit Puerto Rico from Oct. 12 to 14. People on the trip include Lt.
Gov. Kathy Hochul, Secretary of State Cesar Perales, Health..."

Puerto Rico News Digest For August 31, 2015

RESERVOIR LEVELS GO UP AGAIN

Rains produced by Tropical Storm Erika and a low pressure  system that
passed over the island yesterday have helped  boost water levels at the
Carraízo and La Plata reservoirs. La Plata, the reservoir most affected by
the drought, was  up seven centimeters this morning. Carraízo increased
by 4 centimeters, with a total gain over the last several days of 2.67 me-
ters. Due to the increase, the water rationing plan for users served by Ca-
rraízo has been changed to two days without service and one day with wa-
ter from the recent three-days-off/one-day-on plan. The rationing plan for
users served by La Plata remains unchanged.

ERIKA LEAVES $20M IN AGRICULTURE LOSSES

From Caribbean Business:

After estimating preliminary losses at about $6 million in damaged agricul-
tural crops after Tropical Storm Erika’s passage through the island, these
estimates have soared to as much as $20 million, according to Puerto Rico
Agriculture Secretary Myrna Comas. Among the most damaged crops, par-
ticularly due to Erika’s winds, are plantains and bananas, while losses have
also been reported in coffee and orange plantations. Affected municipalities
include Yabucoa, Maunabo, Salinas, Adjuntas, Lares, Maricao and other
towns in the island’s mountainous region. Erika also ruined hydroponic
greenhouses and other shade-house projects.

CUOMO TO LEAD PR ECONOMIC DELEGATION

From NY Daily News:

In the midst of the economic crisis in Puerto Rico, Gov. Cuomo is set to ann-
ounce he’ll soon be leading a delegation to the troubled island,  sources tell the
Daily News. The “solidarity” trip is expected to take place in early September
and involve a group of “financial experts” and elected leaders, including City
Council Speaker and Puerto Rico native Melissa Mark-Viverito, said one sour-
ce familiar with the developing plans. “New York is home to more Puerto Ri-
cans than any other state in the country, and the governor believes we have a
responsibility to support our  friends in times of need,” the source said.

PUERTO RICO DELAYS FISCAL PLAN

From Reuters: