Anyone believe the people of puerto rico want to be a state and pay federal taxes?
While that would certainly be a consideration of those solidly in the PR middle and upper class, I would be interested to know what percentage of the population would have an actual federal tax liability. Wages are lower in PR. I bet a great deal of PR fall below the income line where they would actually have a federal income tax liability.
Keep in mind, they already pay FICA and are eligble for (most) Social Security benefits. If they became a state, the Medicare/Medicaid funding would be greatly increased giving them additional incentive.
A considerable percentage of Puerto Rico residents already pay taxes. Puerto Rico sends more in federal income taxes to D.C. than 6 states do. Most of the rest likely make too little to pay much in the way of income taxes after deductions and tax credits. Income tax will be the last reason for not becoming a state.
So what will Republican reasons for voting to not make them a state be?