The President's Task Force on Puerto Rico's Status
Public Hearing in Washington, DC
Task Force also examining matters affecting Puerto Rico's economic development
Tuesday May 25, 2010
1pm
Eisenhower Executive Office Building
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW,
Washington, DC
President Obama expanded the scope of the task force to both work on the status question and also make recommendations on economic policy and development on the island.To that end, the President's Task Force on Puerto Rico will hold a public hearing on Tuesday May 25th at 1pm at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. This will be the second public hearing held by the Task Force.
The meeting will convene experts, business and community leaders, local, state, and federal policymakers as well as the public to discuss issues relevant to the Task Force's directives. The hearing will consist of both a plenary and three breakout sessions (Safety and Security; Strengthening Community Services, Building Capacity and Sustainability; and Economic Development and Financial Fitness) on a broad range of issues before the Task Force.
There will be an opportunity for public statements and testimony as part of this hearing. If you are interested in and available to attend please email your RSVP to PuertoRico@who.eop.gov by 12noon on Monday, May 24th. RSVPs sent after this time are NOT guaranteed admission.
For further information, contact: Stephanie_M._Valencia@who.eop.gov .
WHO:
The President's Task Force on Puerto Rico's Status
WHAT:
Public Hearing in Washington, DC
WHEN:
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
WHERE:
The White House, Eisenhower Executive Office Building adjacent to the White House. To access the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, please enter at the 17th Street and State Place southwest gate entrance, by the Corcoran Art Gallery. You should be there 30 minutes ahead of the meeting start time, getting through the security process often takes time. Please remember to bring a government issued photo ID.
Background on the Task Force
President Bill Clinton originally established the Task Force when he signed Executive Order 13183 in December of 2000. The Task Force is made up of designees of each member of the President's Cabinet and the Co-Chairs of the President's Interagency Group on Puerto Rico.
President Barack Obama signed an Executive Order on October 30, 2009 to both preserve the Task Force's original mission, and to provide advice and recommendations to the President and the Congress on policies that promote job creation, education, health care, clean energy, and economic development on the island. The Task Force held its first public hearing in San Juan, Puerto Rico on March 3rd.
Media that wish to cover the event should RSVP HERE by 12:00 PM EDT on Friday, May 21, 2010.