Governor Gonzalez-Colon presented her State of the Territory address for Puerto Rico on May 29, 2025. The presidents of the Puerto Rico House and Senate, Carlos “Johnny” Méndez and Thomas Rivera Schatz, escorted the governor as she entered to give the speech. El Nuevo Dia suggested that this gesture was a sign of reconciliation after recent public disagreements between the Senate president and the governor regarding cabinet appointments.
Big moments
The governor announced that $387 million from previously unspent funds was allocated to municipalities in the upcoming budget. The announcement was met with a standing ovation from mayors from both major political parties: the Popular Democratic Party, associated with the “commonwealth” notion, and New Progressive Party members, supporting statehood.
Gonzalez-Colon addressed key issues that have been in the news and on the minds of residents. Puerto Rico continues to suffer from extended blackouts, and the crowd responded enthusiastically to the governor’s statement that “LUMA will leave,” referring to the company that has been attempting to improve the electric grid in Puerto Rico.
She spoke passionately on the island’s economic development. While attendees clapped and cheered and rose from their seats in another standing ovation, the Senate president remained seated and did not applaud. Representative Pedro “Pellé” Santiago, however, shouted out a reminder that Gonzalez-Colon had secured $500 million for Toa Baja and La Plata during her time as Resident Commissioner.
Statehood
While the governor is currently finessing the status issue, she continues to support statehood. The U.S. Congress is the only organization that can admit new states, including Puerto Rico. Congress needs continued education and advocacy to recognize the value of Puerto Rico as a state and the importance of admitting Puerto Rico as the 51st state. Reach out to your representatives.
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