Former Vice President Joe Biden is leaning on New Jersey lawmakers to help his presidential campaign with the Puerto Rican commuity. This evening he released a national outreach email containing statements of support from state Senator Nilsa Cruz-Perez (D-5) and Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez (D-19).

Biden said he believes Puerto Rico, and the more than three million American citizens who call it home, deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.

“President Trump turns his back on the people of Puerto Rico again and again,” acording to the Biden Campaign. “After the island was devastated by Hurricane Maria, he failed to deliver the emergency supplies it needed and then suggested we should sell or trade Puerto Rico. In the midst of the coronavirus, he has again failed to provide Puerto Ricans with the support they need. Given Trump’s failure, it is no surprise that the coronavirus has hit Puerto Rico’s fragile economy harder than most U.S. jurisdictions.”

“Puerto Rico is an integral part of our nation’s history,” said Cruz-Perez. “Puerto Ricans have made notable contributions in the fields of medicine, law, government, science, and military. Since 1899, thousands of Puerto Rican veterans have served courageously as members of our Armed Forces to defend the United States and its founding principles of liberty and justice. When Puerto Rico needed support, the current administration failed to provide the necessary resources that were needed by its American citizens.

“I fully support Joe Biden for President because Joe Biden’s comprehensive plan for Puerto Rico reflects his longstanding commitment to equality,” added the senator. “Joe Biden’s initiative for Puerto Rico addresses access to federal programs, infrastructure reconstruction, debt relief, clean energy, quality housing amongst other important issues. This policy directs a clear plan that moves Puerto Rico into recovery, and we must work together to ensure that our foundation of ‘justice for all’ rings true for every American family.”

“Joe Biden has a longstanding history of supporting Puerto Rico as both a Senator and Vice-President and I know he will continue this support as the 46th President of the United States of America,” said Lopez. “As Puerto Rico continues its fragile recovery from several natural disasters and financial turmoil, the Puerto Rican people need a leader who will revitalize the Puerto Rican economy creating better jobs and an overall improved quality of life. I gladly join the thousands of Puerto Ricans who will be supporting Joe Biden in the upcoming election and I look forward to seeing the Vice President help Puerto Rico get back on the right track.”

The Biden-Harris Plan For Recovery, Renewal And Respect For Puerto Rico will:

• Support a full recovery and infrastructure reconstruction to modern standards.
• Invest in Puerto Rico’s future through economic development initiatives and support for families.
• Provide relief from unsustainable debt.
• Expand access to education and workforce development.

Read the full plan here.