Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez (D-Middlesex) released the following statement regarding the current unrest within Puerto Rico’s government, which has led to widespread protests:
“I stand with the people of Puerto Rico and their collective voices in calling for the resignation Governor Ricardo Rossello. Governor Rossello’s disparaging comments against women, the LGBTQ community, his opponents and the innocent lives lost in Hurricane Maria were despicable and unacceptable. Hateful rhetoric has no place in government and Puerto Rico deserves better leadership that is conscious of the island’s needs.
“Being Puerto Rican is an immense point of pride and I know that Puerto Ricans all over the world want to see the island heal and recover. In recent years, Puerto Rico has faced many difficult challenges that still exist today. In order to overcome these obstacles, the island needs to move forward in a new direction with a competent leader at the helm. Corruption must be stamped out, relief funding must be allocated and the island’s crises needs to be addressed to ensure that the over 40% of Puerto Ricans living in poverty can have a chance at leading a better life.
“Hopefully new leadership is on the horizon and I have faith that Puerto Rico will recover.”