As Puerto Rico’s Ricardo Rosello resigns, Florida pols respond

Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rosello resigns in an address on Facebook Live.

Following 15 days of protests in the streets, Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rosselló gave in to demands for his resignation. The embattled New Progressive Party politician will step down on Aug. 2, according to a late night video posted late Wednesday night.

Florida’s political leaders said the state would turn their attention toward the U.S. territory in the midst of the political transition.

Sen. Marco Rubio, a Miami Republican: “Ricardo Rosselló’s resignation is an opportunity for Puerto Rico to emerge from this nightmare. Now, we must turn the page and recommit to working on behalf of Puerto Ricans to ensure the people on the island do not suffer the consequences of the unacceptable actions by corrupt politicians.”

Sen. Rick Scott, a Naples Republican: ““My focus is on the families of Puerto Rico. I vowed to be their voice in the United States Senate and that will never change. I’m glad Governor Rosselló finally made the decision to resign. The conduct from the island’s leadership has been unacceptable. Today, Puerto Rico has the opportunity to move forward with new leadership. My hope and my prayer is that the new leaders focus on improving the lives of Puerto Rican families and rebuilding trust by creating jobs, improving education and enhancing security. I will always stand with the families of Puerto Rico and do everything I can in the United States Senate to fight for them.”

Rep. Darren Soto, an Orlando Democrat: “My fellow Puerto Ricans have shown dignity and an unwavering spirit of resilience. Boricuas had every right to be outraged with their government: from PROMESA and the insurmountable debt crisis, to the incompetence in handling the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, now to evidence of massive corruption. On top of that, the disgraceful chat scandal caused many, myself included, to lose faith in the Rosselló administration.

“Today’s resignation is key to begin to restore confidence. Now we must move forward for the good of Puerto Rico. We know the problems on the island are not solved with the removal of one person. We must continue to fight for already allocated disaster relief funds, pass PROMESA reform, promote job growth, and fix the struggling healthcare system. I look forward to working with Puerto Rico’s new Governor Wanda Vazquez on these visionary goals. Our focus now must be to fix the Medicaid crisis by passing our Territories Healthcare Improvement Act, a critical legislation that will deliver $12 billion over the next four years, provide new integrity safeguards, and mostly importantly save lives.

“Looking to the future, it is evident the current system of governance is not working. Congress has been complicit for more than a century in breaching Puerto Ricans’ dignified citizenship. Without full representation in Congress as a State, without a voice to elect their president, without equal access to federal resources for healthcare and other critical areas, Puerto Ricans will unjustly remain in this vicious cycle of disenfranchisement. In order for Puerto Rico to truly prosper going forward, we must change the systematic denial of civil rights for the millions of American Citizens living on the island.”

U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, a Miami Republican: “Gov. Rosselló’s resignation provides an opportunity for Puerto Rico to face its challenges with new leadership. I will continue to work with my colleagues for the many Puerto Rican families still struggling in the wake of hurricanes, corruption, and mismanagement by local leaders.”

State Sen. Victor Torres, a Kissimmee Democrat: “This is a historic moment for all Puerto Ricans. Your voices have been heard and with Governor Rossello’s resignation there is hope for positive change moving forward.  Now is the time to build a better Puerto Rico. The people, who have suffered so much and for so long, deserve an accountable, responsive government that represents the majority will and desires of all my brothers and sister who live on the Island. This situation proves that when Puerto Ricans stand together we can change the course of history.”

State Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith, an Orlando Democrat: “This is an amazing victory for el pueblo puertorriqueño, but there is much work to be done. Puerto Rico’s future belongs to the people!”

Florida Democratic Party Chair Terrie Rizzo: “Last night, Puerto Ricans showed us the power of the people by organizing and mobilizing to hold their elected leaders accountable. The resignation of Governor Rosselló must now be followed by a fair and democratic process to determine the best future for Puerto Ricans. We stand with and applaud our brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico who are a shining example of how democracy works.”

Frankie Miranda, Executive Vice President of Hispanic Federation: “The resignation of Gov. Ricardo Rosselló Nevares is an important step forward for the government and people of Puerto Rico. If there was any doubt about the effectiveness of direct popular action, the protests and demonstrations in Puerto Rico and its diasporic communities over the past few days and weeks should dispel them. Angered by the corruption and callous behavior of the governor and his closest aides, Puerto Ricans banded together to say, “¡basta ya!” Today’s resignation is proof that people power matters.”

“It would be a mistake to think, however, that Gov. Rosselló’s resignation puts an end to the historical challenges that the island is facing. First, the matter of gubernatorial succession must respect the constitutional norms and processes that govern the island and ensure a leader who represents the interests of the people. Second, Puerto Rico confronts a dire economic situation that must be addressed responsibly and that has been aggravated by a hostile government in Washington. President Trump is holding hostage billions of dollars in badly needed aid to the island. That money is essential to getting Puerto Rico on its feet and on the path toward economic and political stability. It must be released.”

“Hispanic Federation will continue to work with Puerto Rico’s community, business and political leaders to develop and implement a recovery that is fair and just. We will also strengthen our efforts in Washington to ensure that Congress and the White House provide the island with the resources it needs to succeed.”

“Finally, HF reiterates its previous demands of the government, which are to audit the debt imposed on citizens in a context of corruption and legality; create public participation mechanisms that guarantee that the people guide the decisions of their government; and establish total transparency regarding the administration of government funds that have been allocated to achieve a just and dignified recovery of the country.”