The Republican Party of Florida (RPOF) has announced it will host a “Puerto Rico Rising” panel on Friday as part of its 2018 Sunshine Summit in Orlando.
On Friday, June 29, the four-person panel -- Jose Carrión, chairman of the Puerto Rico Financial Oversight Board; Jose Fuentes, former attorney general of Puerto Rico; Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón; and Florida state Rep. Bob Cortes, R-Altamonte Springs -- will discuss the island’s recovery progress and its plans for fiscal responsibility and integrity.
“A little over six months ago, Hurricane Maria devastated the island of Puerto Rico. We saw this nation come together for the Puerto Rican community, and although many are still struggling to rebuild their lives, progress has been made," RPOF Chairman Blaise Ingoglia said in a press statement Wednesday. "The Puerto Rican community has proven its resilience and together the people will continue rising. We look forward to an engaging discussion with these incredible Puerto Rican champions, and solidifying our commitment to aiding our fellow citizens on and off the island.”
Cortes said he believes the Florida event is important for Puerto Ricans.
“As a Puerto Rican-American, I am proud of the work the Republican Party is doing to aid my brothers and sisters in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria,” he said. “We must continue ensuring assistance and stability to families displaced and those still on the island. I look forward to a productive dialogue about long term, effective solutions for these American citizens.”
Carrión said he heartily agrees with Cortes. "We on the Oversight Board are tasked with certifying a fiscal plan for the island that will lead to structurally sound fiscally responsible, balanced budgets, and the restructuring of over $172 billion in public debt -- a legacy of 40 years of overspending by the government of Puerto Rico. I look forward to addressing the attendees of the Sunshine Summit, so they can hear our plan of action for a more prosperous Puerto Rico.”
“The scale and scope of devastation left by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in Puerto Rico has been unprecedented,” Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón chimed in. “My colleagues in Congress, the Administration, Gov. (Rick) Scott and Sen. Marco Rubio have been exceptional in providing resources and funding to help the island rebuild and in Florida accommodating our fellow U.S. citizens that were displaced and forced to seek refuge outside the island. I applaud with gratitude the continued support and commitment of all involved to aid American citizens residing in Puerto Rico and look forward to our panel at the Sunshine Summit explaining how far along we have come in these efforts.”
Fuentes said, “It is an honor to accept the invitation of Chairman Ingoglia ... The massive resources that the Republican administration and Congress have made available to rebuild Puerto Rico will ensure a brighter future for all our fellow citizens on the Island and help improve our preparedness for future natural disasters that may occur."
The RPOF Sunshine Summit, this year at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, is a unique two-day event where Republican statewide candidates will share their vision for Florida and this nation, with more than 1,500 voters, grassroots leaders and party activists. Kicking off June 28 with a nationally televised FOX News Channel Florida Gubernatorial Primary Debate, moderated by Special Report anchor Bret Baier and The Story anchor Martha MacCallum, the Summit is expected to showcase the best of the best in Florida Republican politics.
The dynamic lineup of speakers during the event includes Dan Bongino, Tom and Deneen Borelli, Jason Chaffetz, Dinesh D’Souza, Kayleigh McEnany, Stephen Moore, Dick Morris, Grover Norquist, Matt Schlapp, David Webb, Republican statewide candidates, and much more
