‘No one is going to define my administration,’ governor says in message marking her first 100 days in office
- The San Juan Daily Star
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
By The Star Staff
Gov. Jenniffer González Colón delivered a message to the island on Thursday titled “100 Days: Delivering for You,” in which she defended her administration and reported on initiatives developed in areas such as energy, economic development, infrastructure, education, health, security, federal relations and social justice.
“As you’ve seen, less than 48 hours after I was sworn in, the opposition was already giving me grades. They were setting a very different standard than the one they’ve used or continue to use with others,” the governor said. “But that doesn’t surprise me because I’ve always had to expose myself to that rigor. That’s how they try to define us. But beyond those voices, behind that campaign to create a misguided perception … there are 100 days of projects, initiatives and efforts that cannot be hidden. They’re there, they’re tangible, and that’s why I’m here. That’s why I’ve been telling you what we’ve done together with a great team of men and women, young professionals, and other experienced agency heads who are making a difference.”
“Today I want to account to you, to the people, for those first 100 days, which will be completed tomorrow and which mark our path.
I owe it to a people who absolutely trust my government platform, and I will deliver it to them. To the public servants who, together with me, will make the best government in history. Delivering for you,” González Colón said during the message broadcast from the Festival Hall of the Luis A. Ferré Fine Arts Center. “No one is going to define my administration, no one with vested interests is going to deflect me from what we have to do.”
She reiterated that since taking office, she has promoted “a government that takes action, that has common sense, and that solves problems for the people.” She also indicated that more than 60 administrative bills have been submitted, making her the governor with the most bills submitted since 2001.
On the energy issue, González Colón said her administration has taken “the bull by the horns” and asserted that the actions taken “are aimed at stabilizing the energy system.” She noted the signing of two energy public policy laws, the creation of the Committee for Energy Transformation, the signing of a $767 million contract with Tesla for battery storage systems, and the renegotiation of the Genera PR contract to eliminate bonuses of up to $100 million annually.
“The result is clear: we are beginning to see immediate relief while we accelerate permanent reconstruction,” the governor said.
Regarding economic development, the governor announced more than 1,000 new jobs in manufacturing, food and tourism. Among the initiatives, she highlighted the Solx Puerto Rico solar panel plant, the Stryker expansion, and the ONE Distrito project, which she said will create 1,346 jobs in the metropolitan area.
She also highlighted the signing of agreements to promote tourism with AVIANCA, Iberia, and the Dominican Republic. “Puerto Rico has strengthened itself as one of the most important tourist destinations in the region,” the governor stated.
Regarding tax matters, González Colón said she filed 14 bills to simplify the system and provide relief.
“Tax relief is on the way. A promise is a promise,” she said, indicating that those measures seek to do justice to the middle class and encourage savings, including increases to IRA and educational account deductions, as well as adjustments for people with disabilities and landlords.
Regarding public finances, she said $10 million has been saved by reviewing professional services contracts and that the Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority delivered its fiscal year 2024 financial statements on time.
In the area of public safety, the governor said there has been a reduction in homicides and that her administration has provided the police with new equipment such as rifles, pistols, and bulletproof vests.
“It is not lost on us that security also includes our prisons,” she added, highlighting agreements to employ inmates in community and agricultural work as part of a rehabilitation model.
In education, González Colón noted the creation of the Bilingual Education Program, schools for artistic and business development, and STEM teacher training programs.
“This model guarantees effective proficiency in both languages and seeks to enhance our students’ academic achievement,” she said.
She also noted that 4,974 Department of Education service assistants received raises to $11 per hour, and announced new partnerships with universities and innovation centers.
PDP in Senate touts its first 100 days as in contrast with governor’s slow start
The Popular Democratic Party (PDP) Senate delegation presented a summary of its legislative performance on Thursday, marking the first 100 days of the four-year term and in contrast to what they described as a slow and disjointed start by the administration of Gov. Jenniffer González Colón.
“During these 100 days, the debate has been characterized by a war between Jenniffer González’s camp and [preceding governor] Pedro Pierluisi’s,” said Sen. Luis Javier Hernández Ortiz, the PDP minority leader in the upper chamber, in a written statement.
Among the initiatives highlighted by the delegation are measures to cancel the LUMA Energy contract, allocate $150 million to municipalities, create inclusive public schools, guarantee services for people with disabilities, establish policies for seniors and for fair teacher salaries, and increase access to government and healthcare services.
Sen. Marially González Huertas highlighted her legislative agenda focused on justice for minors and people with disabilities, improvements to the insurance system, and victims’ rights. Meanwhile, Sen. José “Josian” Santiago Rivera highlighted proposals to transfer funds and responsibilities from the central government to municipalities.
The delegation also denounced a lack of transparency in the appointment of officials, failure to fulfill campaign promises, only two laws signed by the governor, and accusations of inefficiency on the part of the González Colón administration.
“There is great frustration with what is already defined as the worst start to a public administration in recent history,” Hernández Ortiz said.
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