PUERTO RICO

Richie is proud to represent Massachusetts’ largest Puerto Rican population. Throughout his career, he has fought for the rights of both the Puerto Rican population in Western and Central Massachusetts and the island itself.

 
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That’s why he has fought for fairer tax treatment for the island:

Child Tax Credit

  • Prior to the enactment of the American Rescue Plan, families in Puerto Rico were only eligible for the child tax credit if they had 3 or more children. This obviously excluded many families from receiving these benefits.

  • The American Rescue Plan made a permanent change to the tax code, fixing this and allowing families to claim a CTC even if they had one or two children.

  • It is estimated that approximately 1.1 million children in Puerto Rico will benefit from the expanded CTC, which could help to reduce child poverty on the island.

 Earned Income Tax Credit

  • The American Rescue Plan encouraged Puerto Rico to significantly expand its earned income credit by providing for a 3-to-1 federal match to expand the Puerto Rico EITC.

  • This permanent expansion has a positive impact to almost 700,000 families. 

Other Support for Puerto Rico

Richie has consistently voted to provide opportunities for self-determination of statehood. And it’s why, in 2018, when the island was devastated by Hurricane Maria, Congressman Neal was quick to lend a hand.

  • Ensured Puerto Rico's infrastructure was secured after a report showed true devastation to the island;

  • Worked with other Massachusetts colleagues on Capitol Hill to secure the necessary federal response to help Puerto Ricans impacted by the hurricane;

  • Traveled to Puerto Rico with Sen. Elizabeth Warren to better understand the emergency efforts and the needs of the people following Hurricane Maria; and 

  • Partnered with Rep. Jennifer González-Colón (R-PR) to introduce legislation that would set aside funds from the Health Profession Opportunity Grant (HPOG) program to specifically be invested in Puerto Rico and other U.S. Territories.

Richie also believes that we need to recognize, celebrate and support the heritage and culture of Puerto Rico, and of the entire American Latinx community - and he has backed that belief up with action.

  • He has recognized the historic service of the 65th Infantry Borinqueneers during the Korean War, and honored the people of Puerto Rico who continue to serve and volunteer for service in the Armed Forces;

  • He supports the building of the National Museum of the American Latino.