OpEd

Puerto Rico Minimum Wage Hikes May Damage the Economy

Economic theory tells us that minimum wage increases eliminate jobs, and this theory is supported by empirical findings. A meta-analysis of several dozen studies published by the National Bureau of Economic Research reported that 79.2 percent of studies produced negative estimates of the minimum wage’s impact on employment.

Puerto Rico Minimum Wage Hikes May Damage the Economy Read More »

Marc Joffe
August 7, 2024
salario mínimo

Two American pastimes: Baseball and theft by government

Roberto Clemente is one of the most storied players in Major League Baseball history. During his nearly two-decades on the field, Clemente racked up two World Series rings, an MVP award, and numerous batting titles. So popular and beloved was Clemente’s brand that his home island of Puerto Rico used it to raise revenue. Puerto Rico hauled in $15 million selling license plates with Clemente’s likeness. It did so without his family’s permission and without paying them a dime. It would be fitting for Clemente to hit yet another home run — this time for freedom — a full five decades after his last at bat.

Two American pastimes: Baseball and theft by government Read More »

Wen Fa
June 28, 2024
Roberto Clemente

Economic freedom for all

Economic freedom is the right of every human being to earn an honest living -that is, to work, produce, undertake, sell, buy and exchange goods and services- responsibly and voluntarily, without undue governmental interference or obstacles (Carrión-Tavárez, 2024). This right does not distinguish between race, sex, age, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, political opinion or socioeconomic level.

Economic freedom for all Read More »

Jorge L. Rodríguez
June 14, 2024
libertad economica para todos

Congress Can Help Puerto Rico Escape the Food Stamp Poverty Trap

Each year, the U.S. Congress allocates over $400 million for food assistance to support more than 250,000 residents of Puerto Rico who are able-bodied adults without dependents, and are between the ages of 18 and 54. Notably, this financial assistance does not come with a work obligation. Congress does not apply this approach to any of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or even to Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Beneficiaries of nutritional assistance in these jurisdictions are under the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), which includes a work requirement. It's time to bring Puerto Rico into the same program.

Congress Can Help Puerto Rico Escape the Food Stamp Poverty Trap Read More »

Jorge L. Rodríguez
April 9, 2024
trampa de la pobreza

The BSN and the free market

This year we have seen a resurgence of the National Superior Basketball (BSN, its acronym in spanish), with courts filled to capacity, high technology and shows before and at halftime like in the NBA. This coincides with the private investment of businessmen from Puerto Rico and the United States; a healthy and competent administration; and contracts to high quality reinforcements players, former NBA players. The result has been greater competitiveness and sports quality, as well as an increase in the number of fans on the courts and in television and radio audiences.

The BSN and the free market Read More »

Jorge L. Rodríguez
July 28, 2023

A Boricua's Migration Duel

I am part of the 1.3% who have experienced acculturation and grief. The feeling of missing family, desiring typical food of the country, mastering another language, adapting to a new climate and work environment, has a significant impact on the physical and emotional health of the migrant. In the United States I found wonderful opportunities, but I have never lost the desire to return to my homeland.

A Boricua's Migration Duel Read More »

Charleen Martínez Rodríguez
July 21, 2023

Puerto Ricans are individualists

Individualism is a defining characteristic of modernity. Previously, in traditional societies, the identity and position of the individual were dictated by a single way of living; but a new moral practice emerged within Western civilization creating the main root of modernity. This root is individualism - the ability of the individual to pursue his desires, his ends, and his moral identity.

Puerto Ricans are individualists Read More »

Ojel Rodriguez Burgos
June 14, 2023

Puerto Rican migration in search of economic freedom

When looking at other states and territories, it is notable that those with the highest net inbound migration are those with the lowest tax burdens, that encourage entrepreneurial activity, that are fiscally healthy, and that have strong economies. Likewise, those with the highest net outgoing migration are those that impose higher tax burdens and more regulations and offer fewer employment opportunities.

Puerto Rican migration in search of economic freedom Read More »

Milton J. Quiles
August 22, 2022
Puerto Rican migration in search of economic freedom
Scroll to Top