This week, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., brought back the “Economic Mobility for Productive Livelihoods and Expanding Opportunity Act” (EMPLEO Act) which he says will offer a pay raise for Puerto Rico residents
“Rubio’s EMPLEO Act would establish an opt-in system by which participating employers disburse pay raises from federal contributions to all employees earning below the median hourly wage in Puerto Rico. Any worker earning less than $10 per hour would receive a raise, up to a maximum of $2.50 per hour. Employers that choose to participate in the program may reduce their share of a worker’s wage to a minimum of $5 per hour, thus reducing the cost of hiring new workers,” Rubio’s office noted about the proposal.
Rubio weighed in on his legislation on Thursday.
“I’m proud to reintroduce this legislation, which will help Puerto Rico’s working class as they continue fighting to make ends meet,” Rubio said. “My legislation would expand the workforce, increase opportunity, and ensure that Puerto Ricans are able to earn a wage that will build communities through dignified work. I remain firm in my commitment to ensuring economic conditions for our fellow Americans continue to improve.”
The bill was sent to the U.S. Senate Finance Committee on Thursday. So far, there are no co-sponsors in the Senate and no companion measure in the U.S. House.
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
