Aff - SSI Puerto Rico - Michigan 7 2023 CPSW

SSI PR — CPSW
Notes
Commendations
Thank you for spearheading this project, Whit Whitmore! We all hope you get well soon.
— Anagha Chakravarti, Aniket Warty, Arnav Maddineni, Chloe Zhu, Dora Chen, Gabriella Miller, Henry Martin, Kenny Royer, Kirsten Kelly, Moonyoung Hwang, Nathan Heftman, Ruby Werber, & Teddy Wachtler.
Adv — Inequality
The affirmative argues that Puerto Rico is suffering from massive economic inequality and poverty in the status quo. This advantage is the core of the affirmative and should be included in every version of the 1AC. The scenarios are not quite perfectly swappable but can be altered and modified carefully if you would like. The impacts to this advantage are far more sensical and require less in-depth knowledge than the Biotechnology or the Courts advantages. This advantage works with either the Courts or Congress version of the affirmative, although solvency advocates will have to be tailored to fit.
— Teddy Wachtler
Adv — Biotechnology
The US created Section 936 in 1976 which provided tax exemptions for companies in Puerto Rico, which led to a lot of pharmaceutical companies moving there. When the US repealed the exemption in 2006, many companies still stayed there due to the large infrastructure that was built. However, Hurricane Maria made many of those companies consider leaving. This advantage argues that population decline and a worsening economy will make the pharma industry leave and prevent them from coming back. However, SSI benefits can prevent population loss and make the economy better, making PR a more attractive place for pharma companies to manufacture vaccines. More vaccine manufacturing prevents future pandemics that will cause extinction. This is also crucial to stop vaccine inequity, where low-income countries receive significantly less vaccines than they need, which hurts their economies. That creates global instability and a host of existential impacts.
The advantage can also be combined with either the Courts or Congress version of the affirmative, it’s just only found in the Congress version here because of 1AC time constraints. Feel free to mix and match. More impact cards for the aff and the neg can be found in the SS Medicare file produced by BEJJP, if you’re struggling.
— Aniket Warty
Adv — Courts
In 2022, the courts ruled in favor of the Social Security Administration in US v. Vaello-Madero on an 8-1 decision, ruling that the exclusion of Puerto Rico and other US territories from the Social Security Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program was not a violation of the fifth amendment. This decision was also based on the precedents established by two previous cases: Califano v. Torres (which argued that the exclusion violated geographic rules) and Harris v. Rosario (argued that it violated the fifth amendment as well). Sotomayor, in her opinion, argues that these precedents are harmful, colonial, and should not be used for precedents in the future. However, the decision in Vaello Madero solidified these decisions as well as the original Insular Cases.
The affirmative argues that harmful precedents, such as the ones established in Vaello-Madero, Califano, and Harris lead to multiple impacts, including but not limited to:
Reinforcing colonial binaries between territories and the mainland, and the logic of racial inferiority. This further perpetuates inequality and colonialism.
Contradictions within the legal system between what precedents say and what other politicians/congress says. This destroys the legitimacy of the court system as the courts are perceived as incoherent. The internal link argues that this destroys democracy.
Lower courts with less competent judges may cite the repugnant precedents as reason to implement even more racist or incoherent decisions, which destroys legitimacy as well and perpetuates inequality.
Foreign perception of the U.S. courts acting silly leads to authoritarian regimes modeling what the U.S. does wrong. The internal links argue that U.S. courts looking good to other countries is key to send a signal that democracy is good and should be respected (“democratic modeling.”).
The affirmative rules upon a new case, Rivera-Fuentes, et al v. Kijakazi, et al, which is a class action lawsuit brought by Puerto Rican citizens against the Social Security Administration, arguing that the exclusion of Puerto Rico from SSI benefits violates the fourteenth amendment’s equal protection clause.. The case is currently under review by the First Circuit Court of Appeals. The Supreme Court taking the case and ruling in favor of Rivera-Fuentes would overturn Vaello-Madero, Califano, and Harris and establish a new, positive precedent in the name of racial equality.
— Teddy Wachtler
Aff — SSI PR — CPSW
1AC
1AC — Congress — V0
1AC — Adv — Inequality
Advantage 1 is Inequality.
Scenario 1 is Poverty.
High economic inequality in Puerto Rico is increasing – expanding the social safety net is necessary.
Rodríguez-Castro 6-12-23 {"Focusing on Puerto Rico's income inequality and poverty," Francisco Rodriguez-Castro (Managing Director at UBS, President & CEO of the Economic Development Bank and held senior lending positions in the corporate banking sector. He is also a key leader in promoting the private sectors participation in the formulation of public policy of the country supporting the governments in its efforts to achieve and maintain sustained economic development for Puerto Rico. In addition to his management roles he was the founder of the Private Sector Coalition a not for profit association. As board member of the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce starting in 2006 he organized, founded and Chairs the Puerto Rico Conference a Macro economic investment conference). The Weekly Journal. Published June 12, 2023, Accessed July 22, 2023. www.theweeklyjournal.com/top-stories/focusing-on-puerto-ricos-income-inequality-and-poverty/article_7e818be6-0926-11ee-954c-63ae8173aaa7.html.} /// KirK
Beneath the shimmering surface of the paradise we call home, an undeniable chasm separates the haves from the have-nots. Like dark clouds overshadowing the Island's potential, income inequality and poverty cast a shadow on countless Puerto Ricans' lives.
This article will peel back the layers of statistics and economic jargon to reveal the human stories at the heart of this pressing issue. It is time to confront the challenges head-on, armed with compassion and an unwavering determination to create a more just and equitable Puerto Rico for all its inhabitants.
The divide between the affluent and the impoverished has widened over the years, leaving scars on the collective spirit of the Puerto Rican people.
However, this article is not intended to paint a picture of despair and desolation. It serves as a rallying call for compassion and collective action.
We made a comparative analysis of income inequality in Puerto Rico vs. the 50 States of the U.S. discussed in detail.
Income inequality is a pressing socioeconomic issue that affects individuals and communities worldwide. This analysis examines the condition of income inequality in Puerto Rico compared to the 50 states of the United States. By analyzing relevant data and statistics, this study sheds light on the unique challenges faced by Puerto Rico and explores potential causes and implications of income inequality within the Island.
Income inequality refers to the unequal income distribution among individuals or households within a given population. It is typically measured by indicators such as the Gini coefficient, which quantifies income distribution on a scale from 0 (perfect equality) to 1 (maximum inequality). This analysis compares income inequality in Puerto Rico with that of the 50 states of the U.S., taking into account various factors and data points.
As we understand the condition of income inequality in Puerto Rico, it is crucial to consider the Island's unique economic and social context. Puerto Rico faces challenges like high poverty, limited access to quality education and healthcare, and significant dependence on federal transfers. These factors contribute to income disparities among its population.
As we perform a comparative analysis of Puerto Rico vs. the 50 States of the U.S., we find the following:
1. The Gini coefficient is key for comparing income inequality across different regions. According to recent data, Puerto Rico's Gini coefficient is approximately 0.545, significantly higher than the U.S. average of 0.411. Puerto Rico has a 24.58% higher income inequality than the 50 states.
2. Poverty Rates: Puerto Rico's poverty rate has consistently been higher than the national average. As of the latest available data, the poverty rate in Puerto Rico stands at around 43%, while the U.S. average is approximately 11%, a whopping 290.9% higher. These figures highlight the magnitude of the income disparity in Puerto Rico.
3. Median household income can further illuminate the income gap between Puerto Rico and the states. The median household income in Puerto Rico is significantly lower than the U.S. average. As of the latest data, the median household income in Puerto Rico is approximately $22,419, whereas the U.S. average is around $65,000 or 189.9% above the U.S. median household income. This vast difference underscores the income disparities that exist.
4. K-12 Education and Skill Disparities: the Island faces significant challenges in funding and resources for its K-12 education system. Wasteful spending in the Department of Education has led to inadequate infrastructure, outdated materials, and a lack of resources for teachers and students, which results in lower academic performance compared to the mainland United States. Students in Puerto Rico have scored lower on reading and mathematics assessments, as measured by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP): language barriers and limited access to quality education have widened the gap.
5. Education Reform: education is crucial for breaking the cycle of income inequality. Puerto Rico needs comprehensive education reforms that focus on improving the quality of teaching, modernizing school infrastructure, and promoting vocational training programs. While there is broad access to higher education, we must foster partnerships between educational institutions and the private sector to help bridge the skill gap and promote economic mobility. With the generous federal programs that allow the population to study in Universities free of charge, the graduation rate for Puerto Rico is 52.2%, higher than the U.S. graduation rate of 46.4% or 11.11% more. However, when we evaluate the total population with a bachelor's degree in the U.S., the rate is 53.7% of the total population. In contrast, in Puerto Rico, the rate is 27.4% of the total population, 51.05% lower in Puerto Rico, shaping the broader income inequality differences for Puerto Rico.
6. Natural Disasters: Puerto Rico is in the middle of hurricane alley and is vulnerable to natural disasters, such as Hurricane Maria in 2017. These catastrophic events exacerbate income inequality by disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities, damaging infrastructure, and disrupting economic activities.
7. Brain Drain: another critical contributor to income inequality can contribute to a phenomenon known as "brain drain." Talented individuals and professionals leave Puerto Rico for better economic opportunities elsewhere, resulting in a loss of human capital. Since 2000, Puerto Rico has lost a population of -525,126 or 13.77% less. This fact further hinders the Islands's ability to address income inequality and achieve sustainable development.
8. Economic Diversification: a concerted effort to diversify our economy beyond its historical dependence on a few industries is the key. Currently, the Department of Economic Development and Commerce has a much broader focus on many industries and sectors outside of the traditional manufacturing expertise on which Puerto Rico depends. Encouraging the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, and attracting investment in sectors such as renewable energy, technology, and tourism can create more job opportunities and growth.
9. Labor Market Reforms: market policies can help address income disparities. While the current unemployment rate is a low 6%, the lowest in years, the labor force participation rate is a low 45.1%, which means that 55% of the population is living with either federal funds, the informal economy, or some form of disability. Changing how unemployed persons are required to seek and maintain jobs must be altered to promote more work and less assistance, breaking the chains of dependence. Encouraging investment in sectors with high job potential and facilitating access to credit and financing for small businesses accelerates economic growth and dents income inequality.
10. Social Safety Nets: implementing programs can provide a safety net for vulnerable populations and mitigate the impact of income inequality. While access to healthcare, social assistance programs, and affordable housing is available, it has not alleviated poverty and reduced income disparities. The fact is that more than 44% or 1.408 million of the population lives in poverty, and over half of our children in Puerto Rico, or 57% live in poverty levels, according to the most recent U.S. Census Bureau data.
In conclusion, the income inequality problem in Puerto Rico remains a significant challenge that requires attention and comprehensive solutions.
Addressing income inequality requires a multifaceted approach that includes economic diversification, education reform, labor market reforms, and social safety nets to achieve significant economic equity, social stability, and sustainable development for our population.
By prioritizing economic growth, implementing progressive tax reforms, strengthening the social safety net, promoting transparency and good governance, and investing in education and infrastructure, Puerto Rico can pave the way for a more equitable future.
A Supreme Court ruling against the expansion of Social Security to U.S. territories committed the US to a refusal of Supplemental Security Income benefits for citizens in need.
Nicole Acevedo 21, She is a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Broadcast and Digital Journalism from Syracuse University and has a Bilingual (Spanish-language) journalism, Journalism Graduate from CUNY Graduate School of Jounralism, 3-2-2021, 'Discriminatory': Puerto Ricans decry Supreme Court ruling allowing exclusions, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/discriminatory-puerto-ricans-decry-supreme-court-ruling-allowing-exclu-rcna25399, KPR
Puerto Ricans on the island and in Congress criticized a U.S. Supreme Court ruling Thursday that found it's constitutional to deny federal benefits to aging and disabled U.S. citizens living in Puerto Rico, though they can access benefits if they relocate to the mainland.
Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who wrote the decision, said that “just as not every federal tax extends to residents of Puerto Rico, so too not every federal benefits program extends to residents of Puerto Rico.”
In an 8-1 vote, the court sided with the Justice Department, which argued in favor of reversing a lower court ruling that had deemed it “invalid” to deny Supplemental Security Income benefits, also known as SSI, to Puerto Ricans living on the U.S. territory.
Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who is of Puerto Rican descent, was the lone dissenter.
“In my view, there is no rational basis for Congress to treat needy citizens living anywhere in the United States so differently from others,” Sotomayor wrote in her dissent. “To hold otherwise, as the Court does, is irrational and antithetical to the very nature of the SSI program and the equal protection of citizens guaranteed by the Constitution.”
Congress has made SSI benefits available to U.S. citizens living in the 50 states, the District of Columbia and the Northern Mariana Islands but not to those who live in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam and American Samoa.
Puerto Ricans are “generally exempt from most federal taxes, including the income tax, excise taxes, and estate and gift taxes,” according to the Justice Department. However, Puerto Ricans do pay federal payroll taxes and help fund public programs such as Medicare and Social Security, contributing more than $4 billion annually in federal taxes to the United States.
Differences in taxation limit Puerto Ricans on the island in other ways, including the lack of voting representation in Congress and the inability to vote in U.S. presidential elections. And there are other restrictions when it comes to accessing federal safety net programs.
Puerto Rico Gov. Pedro Pierluisi blasted the Supreme Court's ruling in a statement in Spanish, saying that it further emphasized that “the territorial status of Puerto Rico is discriminatory for American citizens on the island” because it "allows Congress to do whatever they want with us."
"Clearly our people, particularly the most vulnerable, suffer the consequences of this unequal treatment," Pierluisi said.
Among those affected by the decision are families like Aurelis Aponte and her daughter Isabela, 5, who was born with seven major heart conditions.
"I felt like a bucket of cold water fell on me," Aponte told NBC News in Spanish Thursday after learning about the ruling. "I just felt outraged and sad. It was just a heavy piece of news."
After Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico in 2017, the family had moved to Florida, where they were able to obtain aid, including food stamps and SSI benefits that helped pay for the girl's concurrent and expensive medical treatment.
But when the family returned to Puerto Rico, so Aponte could take care of her mother, who has Alzheimer’s, Isabela lost the SSI benefits. Those payments had put her parents “in a better position to help Isabela endure health conditions that don’t just go away,” Aponte previously told NBC News.
Rep. Nydia Velazquez, D-N.Y., who is of Puerto Rican descent, said in a statement that the ruling "is a demoralizing setback for the people of Puerto Rico, who deserve the same access to federal benefits as those living in the mainland United States. ... This ruling ought to set a fire under Congress to finally pass legislation that enshrines the rights of Puerto Ricans and other residents of the territories to parity in receiving comprehensive federal benefits."
Rep. Jenniffer Gonzalez, Puerto Rico's nonvoting member of Congress, is urging lawmakers to extend SSI benefits to Puerto Rico through legislative action "to correct this outrageous discrimination that keeps more than 300,000 of our most vulnerable citizens in extreme poverty," the Republican lawmaker said in a statement.
Aponte agrees.
"This is not a whim. They just need to look at the numbers to see the need," Aponte said, adding that nearly 44 percent of Puerto Ricans live in poverty.
She said that though she's "made peace" with the fact she needs to hold down a few jobs to help her daughter, "I think about the disabled mother who can't work and has kids to care for. Let's give her SSI benefits and let's give SSI benefits to every Puerto Rican who doesn't have the means to relocate to the U.S. mainland."
Though President Joe Biden promised to “ensure residents of Puerto Rico have access to [SSI] benefits” during his presidential campaign, he defended the Department of Justice's efforts to deprive them of such benefits.
In a statement last June, Biden said the Department of Justice “has a longstanding practice of defending the constitutionality of federal statutes, regardless of policy preferences.”
Still, Biden said Puerto Ricans “should be able to receive SSI benefits” and called on Congress to amend the Social Security Act.
U.S. territories are restricted to legacy welfare systems that provide virtually no benefits – current complex str

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