Puerto Rico's governor defies board, rejects pension cuts
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- Puerto Rico's governor is defying the federal control board overseeing the island's troubled finances. Ricardo Rossello says he will submit a fiscal plan to the board on Thursday that will not contain any layoffs, reductions in pensions or a labor reform.
The announcement late Sunday defies the board's demands that the U.S. territory implement a labor reform and a 10 percent cut to a pension system facing nearly $50 billion in liabilities.
A board spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Public Affairs Secretary Ramon Rosario told NotiUno radio station on Monday that the board cannot impose public policy in Puerto Rico and asked members to reach a consensus with the island's government.
Meanwhile, Puerto Rico is still recovering, more than six months after Hurricane Maria devastated the island. The Category 4 storm knocked out power, at least 64 people died, and more than 135,000 people reportedly left Puerto Rico for the U.S. mainland.