# data[].attributes.body
Puerto Rico's political status as a U.S. territory creates economic challenges, especially due to limited federal benefits. While Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens, they don't receive the same benefits as those in the 50 states, leading to higher poverty rates and lower incomes. This lack of support worsens the island’s economic struggles.

# data[].attributes.body
One big problem Puerto Rico has because of its political status is that they don’t get the same money for healthcare as the states. Even though people in Puerto Rico are U.S. citizens, they get less help for programs like Medicaid and Medicare. This means hospitals don’t have enough money, there aren’t enough doctors, and people, especially in poor or far areas, struggle to get good medical care. Since Puerto Rico isn’t a state, they can’t really push for better healthcare funding, and that just makes things harder for everyone on the island.

# data[].attributes.body
Puerto Rico’s healthcare system faces significant challenges, largely due to underfunding and disparities in federal support compared to U.S. states. Although it operates under a Medicaid-like program, the island receives capped federal funding, which often leads to budget shortfalls and limited access to services. Hospitals and clinics struggle with outdated infrastructure, staff shortages, and high physician migration to the mainland, where pay and working conditions are better. These systemic issues have left many Puerto Ricans, especially in rural areas, with inconsistent or inadequate care.

# data[].attributes.body
Jantin Asmar:

One of the key challenges Puerto Rico faces due to its political status is economic instability. As a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico does not have full control over its economy, which impacts its ability to make independent decisions about taxation, trade, and social programs. For example, Puerto Rico is subject to U.S. federal taxes, but it cannot vote on federal tax policies. This has led to significant fiscal stress, including high public debt, which has resulted in austerity measures and cuts to public services. The island also struggles with limited access to federal funding for disaster relief and infrastructure improvements. These economic constraints contribute to persistent poverty and high unemployment rates on the island. The lack of political representation in Congress further complicates Puerto Rico’s ability to advocate for the financial support it needs.

# data[].attributes.body
Residents of Puerto Rico are U.S. citizens but lack full representation in the federal government. They cannot vote in U.S. presidential elections and have no voting representation in Congress, only a non-voting Resident Commissioner in the House of Representatives

# data[].attributes.body
Puerto Rico faces problems with its healthcare system because of its political status as a U.S. territory. Unlike U.S. states, Puerto Rico gets less money from the federal government to help pay for healthcare. This means that doctors and hospitals don’t get enough support, and many people can’t get the care they need.

# data[].attributes.body
Puerto Rico faced severe fiscal crises that entered them into a $70 billion bankruptcy in 2016 which has left its government unable to provide basic services or invest in critical infrastructure at times. It has led to population decrease of over 10% and resulting in a shrinking workforce.

# data[].attributes.body
Due to the fact that Puerto Rico does not pay federal taxes means that it's population is ineligible for social welfare programs like Social Security and Veteran's benefits. Programs like these help combat inequality which increases the economic inequality in Puerto Rico.

-Jason Zamora

# data[].attributes.body
Puerto Rico being an associate state part of US territory, limits the islands ability to negotiate trade agreements independently and access certain federal funds, leading to financial instability and high public debt loads. Chris B

# data[].attributes.body
Puerto Rico has faced lots of natural disasters which led to Puerto Ricans migrating to the USA which led to loss in population and loss of labor in areas where people know how to do that specific type of labor.

# data[].attributes.body
Puerto Rico is facing severe financial instability,they are struggling with debt and government issues, they are also struggling with the hurricanes and flooding, which further exacerbate existing challenges.

# data[].attributes.body
Puerto Rican can't vote in the U.S. Presidential elections due not being citizens of a U.S. State.

# data[].attributes.body
Puerto Rico faces significant educational challenges. Many public schools suffer from a lack of basic resources including running water, electricity, sufficient teaching staff.

# data[].attributes.body
Puerto Rico suffers from cultural erosion as they have to surface the problems of the US trying to eradicate their culture, just like in Bad Bunny's song "Lo que le paso a Hawaii"

# data[].attributes.body
Puerto Rico lacks voting representation in the U.S. Congress, although it does have one non-voting Resident Commissioner in the House of Representatives.

# data[].attributes.body
puerto Rico faces limited federal funding, nk voting power in Congress, and economic instability, all due to its territories status.

# data[].attributes.body
Puerto Rico receives less healthcare funding than the U.S. , making access to quality care difficult.

- Dylan Kwak

# data[].attributes.body
While citizens of Puerto Rico are U.S. citizens, they lack full voting representation in the U.S.

# data[].attributes.body
Due to Puerto Rico's territorial status. They have to follow certain laws like the Jones Act which forces puerto rico's to have higher costs. This is because the Jones Act forces shipped goods to and from the U.S to be transported on U.S. -built, -owned, and -operated vessels, which drives up the costs.

# data[].attributes.body
Puerto Rico has accumulated a massive debt, leading to a fiscal crisis and impacting its ability to provide basic services and invest in critical infrastructure. - Alex F

# data[].attributes.body
Puerto Rico has limited political authority in the United States due to only being a territory instead of a main state. Therefore, they cannot make decisions regarding the United States' trade, foreign affairs, and immigration. -Rachel B.

# data[].attributes.body
Although Puerto Ricans are citizens, they don't have all the federal benefits the other states have

# data[].attributes.body
Puerto Rico has been facing a debt crisis for years which is leading to financial instability and it impacts the public services.

- Samantha A.

# data[].attributes.body
The power grid is outdated and unreliable, causing frequent blackouts and high costs. - Riley M

# data[].attributes.body
Puerto Rico has a higher poverty rate than many states on the mainland, and income inequality is a significant issue.