Governor Luis Fortuno and other political leaders argued the first change would help to tackle crime, and the second would save money.

BBC: Puerto Rico voters reject bail and legislature changes

Good tax policy can be a very effective tool to promote economic growth, which is what Fortuno claims he is trying to do.

FORBES: Puerto Rico Raises Taxes and Promises Tax Cuts

Both Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell and former Puerto Rico Gov. Luis Fortuno urged members to step up efforts to show it welcomes those groups.

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All Fortuno can do now is argue the details.

FORBES: Puerto Rico Raises Taxes and Promises Tax Cuts

"We have been asking the federal government to help us patrol ... the Puerto Rican coasts, which we are unable to cover entirely by ourselves, " Puerto Rico Gov. Luis Fortuno said Wednesday.

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On the following Monday, Fortuno proposed a large tax cut for Puerto Rican families and domestic businesses, for which he has been widely praised by U.S. conservatives, many of whom consider him a supply-sider and maybe even a Puerto Rican Ronald Reagan.

FORBES: Puerto Rico Raises Taxes and Promises Tax Cuts

Luce Vela de Fortuno.

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