Bill Overview
Title: Puerto Rico Status Act
Description: This bill provides for a plebiscite to be held on November 5, 2023, to resolve Puerto Rico's political status. Specifically, the plebiscite shall offer eligible voters a choice of four options: independence for Puerto Rico, sovereignty in free association with the United States, statehood, or retaining the status of Puerto Rico as a commonwealth. The bill provides for a runoff plebiscite if no option receives a majority vote in the initial plebiscite. The Puerto Rico State Commission on Elections shall carry out a nonpartisan voter education campaign through traditional paid media and make available at all voting locations voter education materials related to the plebiscites. All voter educational materials and ballots used to carry out this bill shall be made available in English and Spanish. The bill sets forth transition and implementation provisions for each choice offered in the plebiscite.
Sponsors: Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS]
Target Audience
Population: Residents of Puerto Rico
Estimated Size: 3100000
- The bill pertains specifically to the residents of Puerto Rico, as it addresses the island's political status.
- Puerto Rico has an estimated population of 3.2 million people, most of whom will be eligible to vote in the plebiscite and thus directly affected by the outcomes.
- The political status of Puerto Rico impacts its citizens' rights, governance, and relationship with the United States, thereby affecting their day-to-day lives and long-term opportunities.
- The choices offered in the plebiscite could potentially change the political and economic landscape for the residents, impacting their wellbeing and identity.
- This decision will also affect Puerto Ricans living in Puerto Rico more directly than those who live on the mainland U.S. but identify with or have ties to the territory.
Reasoning
- The residents of Puerto Rico would be most directly impacted by this policy as it concerns their political status, which affects their day-to-day governance and opportunities.
- The Mexican-American community in the mainland may have cultural ties and show interest as changes in political affairs in Puerto Rico could impact U.S. Latino identity and federal policy.
- Service workers, particularly in states with high Puerto Rican populations like Florida and New York, may feel indirect impacts due to family ties.
- Young professionals in Puerto Rico might see changes in job opportunities depending on the outcome of the policy.
- Retirees on the island may be concerned over their benefits or cost of living changes based on the plebiscite results.
Simulated Interviews
Electrician (San Juan, Puerto Rico)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I want the best option that offers Puerto Ricans more opportunities. Whether it's statehood or sovereign free association, we deserve a stable future.
- I worry about the economic impact on my family and future generations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 3 |
Marketing Specialist (New York City, NY)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I feel a strong cultural connection to Puerto Rico, and I hope the status act leads to choices that enhance life there.
- Any change in political status represents our identity and might affect federal relations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Retired Teacher (Ponce, Puerto Rico)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This decision affects our future generations. I hope it will bring security, especially for public services.
- Stability in governance is crucial so our pensions and healthcare are protected.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 3 |
Student (Orlando, FL)
Age: 25 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As someone who identifies as Puerto Rican, this is about ensuring representation and rights are respected.
- Any decision affects my family on the island and potentially my future plans there.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Hospital Administrator (Mayaguez, Puerto Rico)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm wary of any disruptions that policy changes could bring to our healthcare system.
- Better political status could improve funding and resources.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 3 |
Professor (Chicago, IL)
Age: 50 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The plebiscite is a step towards self-determination, which is essential for Puerto Rico.
- Academically, I am intrigued, but personally, I wish for clarity that benefits the island.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Software Developer (Bayamón, Puerto Rico)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope the policy leads to a stronger local economy with better tech opportunities.
- Stable political status could foster investments in my industry.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Entrepreneur (Miami, FL)
Age: 22 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As an entrepreneur, I believe any change that stabilizes Puerto Rico's political situation can open new business avenues.
- It means a lot for my family and potentially my future expansion ideas.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Retired Nurse (Arecibo, Puerto Rico)
Age: 70 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I want what's best for my grandchildren. The right choice must provide a better future for them.
- Health services and pensions are my primary concerns.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 3 |
Lobbyist (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The decision in Puerto Rico sets a precedent for U.S. territories globally.
- I advocate for any policy that ensures rights and boosts the economic situation on the island.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $60000000)
Year 2: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The outcome of the plebiscite could lead to significant changes in Puerto Rico's status, affecting both fiscal policies and federal relations.
- Potential costs beyond the plebiscite include transitional administration depending on the chosen status (statehood, independence, or free association).
- Voter education is critical to ensuring an informed decision-making process among the electorate.
- Budget forecasting must account for a possible runoff, increasing immediate costs.