By Carlos Micames
Thumbnail image via The Colegio Blogporter.
Many Puerto Ricans claim that the Fiscal Control Board is not here for the well being of Puerto Rico or its citizens. Those opposed argue that the federal entity has no direct knowledge of the struggles happening on the island as all of its members do not live on the island, and the majority of its members are businessmen who specialize in cutting excess spending. . Part of the solution presented by the Board includes an astounding $300 million budget cut to the public University of Puerto Rico system. It’s evident that such a massive cut to the most important academic institution on the island would result in horrific consequences to the population, by reducing access to education, which, defined by the United Nations, is a right for all people. It is a fact that the many economically developed countries provide free education for its citizens, such as Germany, for example. Countries that invest in their societies also have a low GINI index, which measures inequality among its citizens, while also having a high HDI (Human Development Index), meaning its citizens enjoy a healthy life. The United Nations has found that countries with low inequality rates and low GINI index tend to have greater economic growth than countries with high inequality. In addition, a high HDI allows for a healthy workforce, a greater labor force participation (a serious problem in Puerto Rico) and less healthcare costs for the government, according to a Yale study.
An estimated 6,000 people marched from the Capitol building in San Juan to the Governor’s mansion to protest UPR’s projected budget cuts on Thursday, February 23. Image via Pulso Estudiantil’s Facebook page.
The arguments for free education greatly surpass those against it, and it is unfair to deny anyone the right to seek a better life and improve their social standing. The population boom and effects of globalization have resulted in more competition for jobs which, as studies by the IMF have found, is equivalent to a greater necessity for education. It’s no secret that a high school degree doesn’t mean as much as it did 30 years ago. How can we expect to reduce poverty and get people of welfare by stripping away their access to better lives? It’s a hypocrisy that provides no solution to the crisis. Based on other economic models, providing free education would require an increase in taxes. However, paying taxes in order to have access to free education is an investment in the future and I have never heard anybody say they would refuse paying taxes for free education. It would actually reduce the burden of student debt and stimulate spending while providing a more educated workforce.
Basic Keynesian economic theory presents the same thing over again: cutting programs amidst a recession only deepens the recession, according to the Center of Budget and Policy Priorities. It has been shown throughout history in the U.S Great Depression, Europe and Asia. Yet, it is exactly what the FCB is implementing here. Puerto Rico’s problem is not just that we are operating on a deficit, it’s also that we have no economic growth. So balancing the budget with no economic growth will produce no new outcomes:it will actually deepen the recession and make it even more difficult to stimulate the economy Other than allowing greater access to higher education, strengthening our agricultural and fishing industries are key to reducing our dependence on imports and create new jobs to satisfy the population. Part of the reason for the low participation rate in Puerto Rico is the lack of jobs available. It is essential to strengthen the local economy in order to have a successful recovery once a balanced budget is achieved.
Alumni and UPR exchange students abroad in Spain in solidarity with those marching on the Island. Image via Pulso Estudiantil’s Facebook page.
The situation is evidently dire. Clearly, the $300 million could be taken out of legislator’s salaries, benefits, cuts to agencies (one could start with the Electoral Fund) and taxes on foreign companies to reduce the monumental burden placed on the UPR system, a system that has produced countless professionals at an accessible price. Inevitably, the prices of credits will go up but that also means the threshold for scholarships meant for low income families will also go up.
Many people will feel the struggles of the crisis but our educational system should not. In a country run by corruption, misuse of funds, and failing public agencies, the only bright light has been the UPR system and the exceptional professionals they consistently produce. So why should we limit the opportunities of future generations simply because our politicians are too afraid to act?
This is an Opinion article and does not reflect the views of Her Campus UPRM as a whole. The opinions presented here belong to the author.