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Valerio Martinelli

Policy Analyst

Valerio Martinelli was born and raised in Rome, Italy. He graduated from George Mason University receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Global Affairs. Valerio brings years of experience in federal, state and local governments and higher education institutions having served for over five years as a Legislative Assistant for the law firms of McConnell Valdes, PLLC and Lasa, Monroig & Veve, LLP. Given his experience working closely with universities with a high percentage of Hispanic enrollment, Valerio has extensive knowledge of the challenges Hispanics face in pursuing higher education. Valerio is also a passionate believer in the principles of economic freedom and their potential to increase the prosperity of the Hispanic communities around the country. He is fluent in English, Spanish and Italian.

Valerio currently serves The Libre Initiative as a Policy Analyst.

Posts by Valerio

The Fiscal Point of No Return? Even Closer Than CBO Prediction

This week the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released its annual snapshot of long-term federal spending and revenues. Unsurprisingly, the CBO’s projections confirm a trend that risks depriving future generations of Hispanics and all Americans of their opportunity to achieve the American dream. Our government is spending more than what it brings in, with no remedy … Read More

Fewer Loans To Hispanics: The Unintended Consequences Of Financial Regulation

The Great Recession packed a double whammy for Hispanics. Not only was the Latino community hit harder than most during the housing crash and economic downturn, but they are more likely than whites, blacks, or Asians to associate homeownership with the American Dream. Homeownership is an important milestone for many in this country, and the … Read More

The Human Cost of Fiscal Irresponsibility: The Debt Crisis in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico’s only active air ambulance suspended services on the island earlier this month. Unable to continue operations amid the fiscal uncertainty, Puerto Ricans are left without a key service that is a matter of life and death. Tragically, a debt crisis like the one unfolding in Puerto Rico is not just a problem on … Read More

Overregulation puts the American Dream out of reach for U.S. Hispanics

U.S. Hispanics stand out from other demographic groups is their strong belief in the American Dream – but this faith has been tested lately. The most recent financial crisis and its following economic downturn has taken a toll on Hispanics. For example, as highlighted in The LIBRE Institute’s Hispanic Worker study, before the recession Hispanics … Read More

Where Puerto Rico’s original sin really lies

There has been much debate about the causes of the debt crisis that is quickly unfolding in Puerto Rico. The crisis intensified last week, when the Government Development Bank failed to repay more than $400 million to its creditors. Worryingly, many expect the U.S. territory to face additional defaults in the coming months, with a payment of $2 billion due in July.

Fixing the Broken Federal Budgeting Process Should Be Congress’ Priority

Each year, millions of Hispanic households face the necessity of coming up with a basic family budget in order to make ends meet. Whether it’s paying for school supplies, utilities, food, or health coverage, the challenge is clear: making sure expenses do not exceed income. The key to success in winning this challenge lays mainly in the capacity of families to plan ahead and carefully evaluate their expenses. This often means prioritizing needs, cutting back on non-essentials, and making sure hard earned dollars are used in the best way possible.