The administration of Gov. Jenniffer González Colón announced a proposal for a temporary sales and use tax (IVU) exemption on prepared foods, alongside a second phase of salary increases for police officers, during its weekly briefing this week. The proposed tax holiday would suspend the IVU on prepared foods at restaurants and food establishments throughout November and December. Officials stated the measure is intended to provide financial relief to households facing high energy costs. However, the proposal remains subject to review and validation by the Financial Oversight and Management Board before it can be implemented. Regarding law enforcement compensation, the administration outlined a second round of salary adjustments totaling $16 million. The raises, which could benefit up to 6,449 officers pending eligibility verification, range from $162.92 to $268.17 per month depending on rank and pay scale. These adjustments are scheduled to appear in paychecks on Oct. 31 and will be applied retroactively to Aug. 1, 2026. The Office of Management and Budget noted that the implementation followed a collaborative budgetary process across multiple agencies. During the briefing, the administration also highlighted several ongoing economic and infrastructure projects. These include a $55 million expansion by Toyota de Puerto Rico at its Toa Baja distribution center and a $50 million rehabilitation of a dry dock by Gravity Refit at the Port of San Juan, with the latter company considering an additional $150 million investment. Furthermore, officials reported that approximately $4.9 billion in renewable energy and storage projects are currently in various stages of development. Facundo M. Di Mauro Vázquez, director of the Human Resources Administration and Transformation Office, detailed the holiday leave schedule for public employees. Staff will receive Nov. 20, Nov. 25, and Dec. 24 as administrative leave charged against vacation balances, while Nov. 27 and the afternoon of Dec. 31 will be granted without requiring leave credits. Agencies have been instructed to maintain essential services during these periods. Finally, the Department of Justice’s Cybercrime Unit issued a warning regarding fraud targeting older adults. Prosecutor Naydik Ramos cautioned the public against scams involving fake emergency calls, fraudulent banking messages, and identity mimicry. Residents were advised to avoid clicking suspicious links, protect personal security codes, and report any fraudulent activity to the authorities.
Article source: San Juan Daily Star | Image credit: San Juan Daily Star