Mitigating impact of funding cuts stressed as Mayagüez mayor, resident commissioner meet

During a meeting with Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández Rivera, Mayagüez Mayor Jorge Ramos and his team outlined their greatest concerns, placing particular emphasis on the possible elimination of funding for the Head Start program.

By The Star Staff

Mayor Jorge Ramos welcomed Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández Rivera to Mayagüez city hall on Wednesday, where Puerto Rico’s non-voting member of Congress learned firsthand about the projects promoted with federal funds that, due to the cuts proposed by President Donald Trump, could be at risk.

“We welcomed Commissioner Hernández Rivera with the hope that, together, we can ensure the continuity of the initiatives we are leading for the well-being of our communities,” the mayor stated in a press release. “It is essential that the federal government recognize the positive impact of these programs and avoid cuts that would jeopardize the future of hundreds of Puerto Rican families.”

Economic development and the projects underway in the island’s main western city were a running theme of the meeting.

“Visiting Mayagüez and hearing directly from Mayor Jorge Ramos and his team about the challenges they face confirms what we already know: federal funding is vital to the development of our communities,” Hernández Rivera said. “Programs like Head Start not only benefit our children, but also strengthen the social and economic fabric of the entire region. In Washington, I will spare no effort to defend these resources and ensure that Puerto Rico’s future does not fall victim to unjustified cuts.”

During the meeting, the mayor and his team outlined their greatest concerns, placing particular emphasis on the possible elimination of funding for the Head Start program.

Currently, the municipal Head Start Program serves an enrollment of 526 children in 35 preschools located in Mayagüez, Añasco, Las Marías and Maricao. The children depend on the nutrition, health and early stimulation services offered by Head Start to begin their educational life with the necessary tools.

“Head Start is not an expense: it’s an investment in Puerto Rico’s human capital,” Ramos said. “If this program is cut in our city, we would be depriving 526 children of the academic and emotional preparation they need to succeed.”

Ramos also emphasized that Mayagüez is in the final stages of construction of the largest Head Start Center in Puerto Rico, with an investment of more than $20 million.

“This center represents hope and development for our children,” he said. “Every dollar invested today translates into better-prepared citizens tomorrow. We cannot allow political decisions to halt this project, which symbolizes our commitment to the future of Puerto Rico.”

The mayor added that the resident commissioner’s “voice in Washington is key to protecting the resources our families so desperately need.”

“We will continue working hand in hand to defend every program that builds a future in our region,” Ramos said.