On May 13, 2021, Governor Phil Murphy announced 29 appointments to the New Jersey Puerto Rico Commission. The Commission, which was established under legislation signed into law by Governor Murphy in January 2020, will build upon the Administration’s efforts to promote interconnectivity between Puerto Ricans living in New Jersey and on the island. The Commission’s work will include supporting ongoing recovery efforts, exploring economic development opportunities, and promoting educational and cultural exchange between New Jersey and Puerto Rico. Senators Nellie Pou, Declan O’Scanlon and Assemblywomen Yvonne Lopez and Nancy Munoz were appointed to the Commission.

The New Jersey Puerto Rico Commission was established under A4188, which was signed into law by Governor Murphy on January 9, 2020. Established in the wake of Hurricane Maria, which took a devastating toll on the island of Puerto Rico, the Commission will serve to maintain and improve ties with the government and people of Puerto Rico.

New Jersey has a population of over 500,000 persons of Puerto Rican descent, and it is estimated that 30,000 Puerto Ricans came to New Jersey after being displaced by Hurricane Maria. Through this Commission, the State will contribute to Puerto Rico’s economic recovery and continue the State’s significant relationship with the island.

The Commission will advance bilateral trade and investment, work on joint policy issues, encourage New Jersey companies to invest in Puerto Rico, among many other initiatives. Peggy Anastos and Jose Lozano will serve as Co-Chairs of the Commission.The Commission will report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature within one year of its initial organizational meeting and by February 1st of each succeeding year for the activities of the preceding calendar year.

“Many Puerto Ricans live in New Jersey and their contributions to the fabric of our state have been immense. We have a longstanding friendship with the government of Puerto Rico and the people of Puerto Rico and this Commission will serve to bring that relationship to even greater heights.”

-Governor Murphy.

Co-Chair: Peggy Anastos
Co-Chair: Jose Lozano
Executive Director: Arianna Mouré, Esq.
Senator Nellie Pou
Senator Declan O Scalon
Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez
Assemblywoman Nancy Munoz
Councilman Anibal Ramos, Jr
Adalberto Lopez
John Sanchez
Carmen Gandulla
Carmen M. Garcia, Esq.
Councilman Daniel Rivera
Eddie Gonzalez
Undersheriff Humberto Cuadrado
Ivette Mendez
Javier Robles
John A. Santana
Kim V. Ruiz
Lydia J. Valencia
Councilman Luis A. Quintana
Dr. Tanya Pagan Raggio
Gualberto Medina
Rev. Dr. Joshua Rodriguez
Rosemarie Moyeno Matos, Esq.
Samuel Kanig
Tonio Burgos
Marie J. Quinones-Wilson
Will Borke
Francisco Maldonado-Ramirez, Esq.
Ray Ocasio
Lino Santiago