The Challenges Facing Puerto Rico
With
JASON BRAM
Tuesday, January 12th, 4:00 - 5:00 PM
Please join us Tuesday, January 12th, 4 pm AT for a special virtual event with Jason Bram.
Mr. Bram is a Research Officer in the Federal Reserve Bank of New York's Regional Analysis Function. His research and analysis focuses on the U.S. economy, with a primary emphasis on the Federal Reserve's Second District, which includes New York State, northern New Jersey, and southwestern Connecticut, as well as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. He produces the regional Beige Book reports, and uses monthly business surveys to monitor and analyze current and emerging economic trends and issues of concern.
Some of Mr. Bram’s recent articles in the New York Federal Reserve Bank’s publication “Liberty Street Economics” include studies of impacts of Hurricane Maria on the Puerto Rico and Virgin Island economies and the different paths these territories have taken since the hurricane.
Mr. Bram will share his thoughts on:
· The economic fallout from the COVID pandemic on Puerto Rico—not only in magnitude but in certain key sectors and geographically within Puerto Rico. Also, a comparison (contrast) between how PR and the US Virgin Islands have fared.
· A summary of the challenges PR faces: high poverty & income inequality, unequal Medicaid funding, poorly performing public schools, poor electric & water infrastructure, poor public transit, lack of representation in US government, large informal economy, fiscal and pension problems, high shipping costs (Jones Act), …
· A more qualitative view on what are Puerto Rico’s key industries and what could be … natural strengths and weaknesses and comparative advantages.
This is an event you do not want to miss!