Improving Our Economic Ties With Puerto Rico

June 10, 2025


 

The governor signed a bill into law strengthening Connecticut's trade relations with Puerto Rico. I'll break down how this new economic partnership will make a huge difference.

The House adopted a measure honoring those of us with Taíno heritage. Please keep scrolling to learn why this is such an important resolution.

You will find the following sections below:

  • CT-Puerto Rico Trade Commission
  • Recognizing Taíno Descendants
 
CT-Puerto Rico Trade Commission
I am so proud to live and represent Connecticut after Governor Ned Lamont signed a bill into law creating a trade commission between our state and Puerto Rico. This partnership will advance trade and mutual economic growth in both regions. Every lawmaker in the House and Senate voted in favor of Public Act 25-13 in May.

The 23-member commission, which will begin meeting this fall, will be responsible for:

  • Developing and recommending policy and legislative changes that advance bilateral trade and investment between Connecticut and Puerto Rico
  • Promoting business and academic exchanges
  • Encouraging mutual economic support and infrastructure investment
  • Initiating joint action on policy issues of mutual interest

Establishing a Connecticut-Puerto Rico Trade Commission is a powerful opportunity to strengthen our trades and manufacturing sector. By building direct partnerships with Puerto Rico, we can expand skilled workforce pipelines, increase the flow of goods and materials, and open new markets for Connecticut-made products. This collaboration will drive innovation, economic growth, and good-paying jobs for both regions.
New trade partnership is a win-win for Connecticut and Puerto Rico.
Appointments to the commission will be made by the top six bipartisan legislative leaders, the co-chairs and ranking members of the legislature’s Commerce Committee, and the governor. The commission will serve as a function of the General Assembly, and the chairperson of the legislature’s Black and Puerto Rican Caucus, in consultation with the Office of Legislative Management, will be responsible for appointing administrative staff to support the commission’s work.

The members serve as volunteers and are not compensated for their service.
 
Recognizing Taíno Descendants
The House agreed to recognize the culture and heritage of Taíno descendants.
I am also pleased to share the House adopted a measure I co-sponsored recognizing Taíno descendants in Connecticut. This measure ensures that Taíno heritage is recognized and preserved for future generations while fostering a greater understanding of their historical and ongoing contributions to the state.

The Taíno people contributed to Connecticut's history while playing a vital role in our state's diverse, cultural fabric. The modern-day descendants of the Taínos inhabit Puerto Rico, Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean Sea.

Additionally, we advanced a resolution urging Congress to amend the Jones Act to allow the domestic transport of liquefied natural gas to Puerto Rico.