For more information about the workshops please contact 

Jonathan Harkavy -  harkavyj@nyassembly.gov

Puerto Rico, Public Health, and Organizing for Health Equity

During the last three years various public health crises have disproportionately impacted Latinos, including Puerto Ricans both on the island and in the states. These crises have included the COVID-19 pandemic, the overturning of Roe v Wade, and monkeypox. On this panel, public health experts will discuss lessons learned from these ongoing public health issues, the ways in which our public health infrastructure can be improved to address disparities, and how to build solidarity on these issues between Puerto Rico and New York.

The path to renewable energy in Puerto Rico and New York

Nearly five years ago, Hurricane Maria pushed Puerto Rico into the longest blackout in US and the island’s history, contributing to more than 3,000 lives lost and a mass exodus of residents. The long-neglected energy grid crumbled under the force of the hurricane and presented a complex and costly challenge to restore. In 2019, Puerto Rico passed legislation to transition to 100% renewable energy sources by 2050. This, plus the promise of billions in federal infrastructure aid to fund the transition, created hope for a new, more just, energy future. However, in late September 2022, our fears were realized when Hurricane Fiona made landfall on Puerto Rico and the entire island lost power. Again, we feared for those who rely on power to survive, like those on dialysis machines and refrigeration to store necessary insulin. It was made painfully clear that Puerto Rico has not yet experienced the energy justice residents deserve, but hope has not been lost. Nonprofit organizations, grassroots communities, and philanthropy are leading the way to a decentralized, rooftop, solar energy future for Puerto Rico with installation projects, programs, policy, and steady advocacy.  During this panel, we will discuss how we can ensure that Puerto Rico continues to move toward achieving energy justice and discuss how New York transitions away from fossil fuels.

Tackling the roots of Puerto Rico’s food insecurity

Puerto Rico is facing a food security crisis. The archipelago’s poverty rates are more than double the poorest US states and cost of living amongst the highest. Households also receive 40 percent less in federal nutrition assistance dollars and little to no access to other vital federal financial safety net benefits. In addition, a shrinking agriculture sector has left Puerto Rico precariously reliant on imported food, making securing food especially vulnerable to the ongoing international shipping and other food chain issues. After Hurricane Fiona hit the island, food became even more scarce for the island’s residents. The nonprofit sector was forced to quickly jump in and provide lifesaving meals for thousands of families across the island to fill the gap before government food distribution systems were activated. Join us for this timely discussion as experts identify the policy changes that are needed to ensure that those living in both New York & Puerto Rico have equitable access to food.

The Impacts of Unequal Treatment for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Territories: The Insular Cases, Territories Clause and Recent Supreme Court Cases.

This panel will explain key cases, and recent legal developments related to the impact of the Insular Cases and interpretations of the U.S. Constitution in perpetuating stark inequality for residents of Puerto Rico and other U.S. Territories with respect to benefits, citizenship, representation, and other matters.  It will discuss both the legal and human implications of the denial of equal social, political, and economic treatment for Puerto Rican citizens on the Island, in New York, and across the diaspora. It will explain the Task Force’s work examining these issues and offering recommendations to promote equality and justice for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Territories.

“STANDING TOGETHER” – “PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTOR UNIONS”

 Finding common ground and establishing a partnership relationship in P.R., assisting Puerto Rico Unions; to gain ground and develop legislative strategies for; education, housing, mental health and to maintain union jobs. In collaboration with the NY Unions and delegations establish a strategic plan to support legislative efforts at the Federal level to assist families and Unions in Puerto Rico., examine investment opportunities, develop good Union Jobs infrastructure (apprenticeship opportunities) (but not limited, can include private partners which share the mission and the vision)

Latino’s and the Legal System

The Latinos in the Legal System workshop would be to highlight the work of prominent Latinos working in the Judiciary on federal, state, and local levels and the role of each position in the decision-making process.

Cannabis

We know the effect that the criminalization of marijuana had on our communities in the past, now we find out what the legalization of cannabis will mean for our communities in the future.  A look at how legalized cannabis was handled on the island of Puerto Rico and a preview of what it should look like when it rolls out in New York.  There were a lot of promises made, let's see if we can design a system that reflects promises kept.

Providing a Just Recovery for Puerto Rico  

Almost 5 years to the day that Hurricane Maria ravaged Puerto Rico, Hurricane Fiona made landfall on the island – creating another island-wide blackout and leaving thousands of families without food and water. Unfortunately, in that 5-year stretch, Puerto Rico has also experienced devastating earthquakes, tropical storms, flooding, and of course the effects of an ongoing global pandemic, among other challenges. Over the last decade Puerto Rico has experienced a consistent poverty rate of over 40 percent, an average unemployment rate over 11 percent, the lowest median household income of any US state or territory ($21,058), and a dramatic 11.8% percent decline in population. Although New York government and the diaspora have been key partners to promote a just recovery in Puerto Rico, the impact and devastation Hurricane Fiona brought to the island exemplifies how much work remains to be done in Puerto Rico. During this panel, experts will discuss the progress that has been made and what’s left to be done to truly achieve a just recovery.