The representative for the district no. 9 of Toa Alta and Bayamón, Yazzer Morales Diaz, announced the submission of bill no. 357 which eliminates the compensation (liquidation) of sick leave and holidays 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 of municipal employees to accrue and receive salaries for regular vacation or illness or for any other purpose. leave established in the aforementioned Code, as well as those provided by special laws.
“We understand that with the new provision recommended here, we tend to have greater guarantees of fiscal control and transparency in the administrative, budgetary and fiscal processes of municipalities,” Morales Diaz said in a press release.
“Our mayors accumulate rest and medical leave, among others, however, with rare exceptions, they are not used. Despite the fact that the new Municipal Code stipulates that these accumulations will have to be settled by June 30 of each year, this does not happen. The main reason why these payments are not made is the lack of liquidity in municipal finances, so they are not without effect either. However, when mayors receive retirement benefits or do not revalidate after elections, their accumulations are paid regardless of what was budgeted and without taking into account the balance in municipal houses “, added the legislator, affiliated to the party. New Progressive (PNP).
The representative stated that this legislation is “in accordance with the public policy corresponding to the salaries and wages of the 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 that are common to other public employees, such as accumulating and receiving payments for regular leave or illness, receiving payments from Christmas or lump sum payment at the end of their term. Thus, this law addresses an issue of great public interest in the municipal administration “.
“What should motivate a citizen to aspire to the position of mayor must be his real commitment to serve his people, not the economic benefits he can receive at the end of his term,” Morales Diaz concluded.
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The Puerto Rico Municipal Code is a systematic, orderly, and up-to-date compilation of all municipal legislation approved by the legislature regarding the organization, governance, administration, and operation of municipalities. It describes and provides the legal and legal framework for the fulfillment and execution of its powers, competences and functions.