New Jersey § 52:16a-126

§ 52:16a-126.

a. The purpose of the New Jersey Puerto Rico Commission shall be to: advance bilateral

trade and investment; initiate joint action on policy issues of mutual interest to

New Jersey and Puerto Rico; promote business and academic exchanges between New Jersey

and Puerto Rico; support Puerto Rico in its efforts to stabilize its economy; encourage

New Jersey companies to invest in Puerto Rico's infrastructure; and address such

other issues as determined by the commission. In order to carry out its purposes, the commission shall establish subcommittees

to examine the following issues. Economic development, investment and trade. Research, science, and technology. A priority of this subcommittee shall be to consider the desirability of re-establishing

the bi-state commission created in the 1990s under the auspices of the HealthCare

Institute of New Jersey to: (1) organize states that are dependent on life sciences

industry clusters to protect and preserve a strong pharmaceutical industry in the

United States; (2) coordinate joint applications for federal research and manufacturing

innovation grants; and (3) create opportunities for university-based research and

instructional collaborations. Public policy advocacy. This subcommittee shall mobilize New Jersey institutions to join with other states

in advocating for an infusion of resources into Puerto Rico to stop its economic downward

spiral by: (1) making certain that Medicare/Medicaid services are funded at adequate

levels and on an equal basis with other states in this country; (2) press for emergency

education funding to prevent the deterioration of the island's primary and secondary

education systems; (3) support the PROMESA Fiscal Oversight Board in its determination

to re-structure Puerto Rico's debt; (4) support a restoration of the benefits provided

by Section 936 of the federal tax code; and (5) promote federal funding to reconstruct

all of the damaged infrastructure on the island. Education. Infrastructure. Such other issues as deemed appropriate by the commission. b. The commission shall report its findings and recommendations to the Governor, and

the Legislature pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c. 164 ( C.52:14-19.1 ), within one year of its initial organizational meeting and by February 1st of each

succeeding year for the activities of the preceding calendar year. The report shall be in writing and include such recommendations as deemed appropriate

by the commission to effectuate its purpose, as provided by this section.