BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — The Brevard County Commission is set to vote on a resolution urging the U.S. Congress to block the admittance of Puerto Rico as the country’s 51st state.
Commissioner John Tobia introduced the resolution, citing Puerto Rico’s $123 billion in debt and the burden that would place on U.S. taxpayers.
“To extend statehood to them now, as several members of Congress have already proposed, would be a catastrophe for all American taxpayers,” Tobia said.
The move has caused several state lawmakers to fire off letters calling for the resolution to be withdrawn.
“It’s unnecessary, because it has nothing to do with county business,” Florida Rep. Bob Cortes said. “And I believe it’s improper.”
Cortes pointed out that Congress will have to address Puerto Rico’s debt issue regardless of its statehood status.
Cortes also condemned the move on a personal note.
“It’s kind of disrespectful, myself, as somebody who is of Puerto Rican descent,” he said.
The Brevard County Commission is scheduled to consider the resolution in a meeting Tuesday.
Cox Media Group
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