The representative for District # 9 of Toa Alta and Bayamón, Yazzer Morales Diaz, announced the filing of the House 357 Project which eliminates the compensation (settlement) of sick leave and vacation leave for mayors.
The measure amends Article 2,058 of Law 107-2020, better known as the ‘Puerto Rico Municipal Code’, to exclude mayors from the right that assists municipal employees, to accumulate and receive payment for regular vacations or for illness or by any other licenses established in the said Code, as well as those provided for by special laws.
“We understand that, with the new provision recommended here, we are inclined to have more guarantees of fiscal control and transparency in the administrative, budgetary and fiscal processes of the municipalities,” Morales Diaz said in a press release.
“Our mayors accumulate leave and sick leave, among others, but, with rare exceptions, these are not used. Although the new Municipal Code states that these accumulations must be settled by June 30 of each The main reason for not making these payments is the lack of liquidity in municipal finances, so that they are not without effect, however, when mayors take advantage of the benefits of the withdrawal or they do not revalidate after an election, their accumulations are paid regardless of what has been budgeted and in contempt of the balance in the municipal coffers “, added the legislator, affiliated to the New Progressive Party (PNP).
The Representative argued that this legislation is “in line with public policy corresponding to the salaries and emoluments of elected members of the Legislative Branch. In this regard, we all know that representatives and senators are full-time officials who do not enjoy certain marginal benefits. which are common to other public employees, such as accruing and receiving payment for regular or sick leave, receiving Christmas bonus payment or lump sum payment at the end of their duties.This way, this Act addresses an issue of high public interest in municipal administration “.
“What should motivate a citizen to run for mayor should be his genuine commitment to serve his people, not the economic benefits he can receive at the end of his term,” he concluded. Morales Diaz.
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The Municipal Code of Puerto Rico is a systematic, orderly and updated compilation of all municipal legislation approved by the Legislative Assembly regarding the organization, government, administration and operation of municipalities. It describes and offers the legal and juridical framework for the unloading and execution of its faculties, competitions and functions.