Op-Ed: P.R’s per capita debt load is ‘far lower’ than that of mainland states
Recent discussions of Puerto Rico’s debt levels by both Puerto Rico officials and the Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico represent that the island’s per capita debt levels are far higher than the average per capita levels of mainland states in the U.S. mainland.
However, that analysis compares
only state-level debt and ignores both the local government debt and federal
debt that is also supported by mainland taxpayers.
The Commonwealth has acknowledged this key difference between itself and the mainland states’ tax burden in the past. For example, in an October 2013 presentation to prospective investors (see chart #2), the Commonwealth fully supported this measurement of debt burden and stated “any comparison of the public debt levels of Puerto Rico with the states should include state, local and federal debt…if one factors in the federal debt load, Puerto Rico would rank last in outstanding debt per capita amongst all U.S. jurisdictions.”
On top of that, the island
would likely have much higher tax revenues if it improved its ability to
effectuate tax collections, as currently it is ranked by the World Bank as 161 out of 190 in ease of paying taxes.
As the island with the highest
Gross Domestic Product in the Caribbean and with a beneficial status as part of
the United States, Puerto Rico should be moving to resolve its overall debt
situation in 2019.
Making sure real figures and straight talk are part of the solution for Puerto Rico is an important aspect of reaching that goal. Trust and transparency will be an essential part of the Commonwealth’s reentry into the capital markets to attract investment and develop a modern and resilient infrastructure and economy.
Contributor Revitalize Puerto Rico is an effort funded by Assured Guaranty.
