NewsWhore
07-29-2008, 03:30 PM
The Fernandez administration seeks congressional approval to add RD$31.6 billion to this year's government spending. The Presidency called for Congress to extend the legislature through 15 August. Hacienda Minister Vicente Bengoa said that funds will come from a RD$10.9 billion reduction in current spending, RD$500 million in PetroCaribe petroleum purchases financing from Venezuela, and capital gains taxes from the sale of large companies. The Department of Taxes (DGII) has also reported RD$17 billion more in revenues than budgeted for 2008. The Fernandez administration proposes that 53% of this new budget or RD$16.94 billion will be used to subsidize the electric sector, fund public programs including propane gas subsidies for 800,000 families and 24,000 public transport drivers.
The complementary budget funds will be allotted also to meet demands of the Dominican College of Physicians (CMD), including cash incentives, and creation of 400 new jobs for interns as well as the maintaining of the present structure of the Dominican Institute of Social Security (IDSS).
The bill allots RD$4.9 billion to cover the announced increase of the public sector minimum wage to RD$5,0000, and a 15% increase to government employees that make up to RD$30,000 a month.
Funds will also be used to increase the Solidaridad welfare card allotment from RD$550 to RD$700 a month. The government has selected 400,000 beneficiaries, but this number will be increased to 450,000. The government also announced a bonus of RD$300 will be granted to 150,000 persons categorized as living in extreme poverty and that already are beneficiaries of the Solidaridad card.
The government also proposes that RD$1.98 billion be allotted to the Ministry of Public Works and a similar amount to the Public Works Supervisory Office of the Presidency to complete works that are 75% advanced, including the Pinalito Dam in Constanza.
The current spending savings would come from reductions in government officer vehicle purchase allotments, per diems, gasoline allotments, cell phone use, advertising.
Senate president Reynaldo Pared Perez said that as soon as the budget is submitted to Congress a bicameral committee will be called to study the bill and expedite its approval.
The ruling PLD is majority in Congress.
More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#1)
The complementary budget funds will be allotted also to meet demands of the Dominican College of Physicians (CMD), including cash incentives, and creation of 400 new jobs for interns as well as the maintaining of the present structure of the Dominican Institute of Social Security (IDSS).
The bill allots RD$4.9 billion to cover the announced increase of the public sector minimum wage to RD$5,0000, and a 15% increase to government employees that make up to RD$30,000 a month.
Funds will also be used to increase the Solidaridad welfare card allotment from RD$550 to RD$700 a month. The government has selected 400,000 beneficiaries, but this number will be increased to 450,000. The government also announced a bonus of RD$300 will be granted to 150,000 persons categorized as living in extreme poverty and that already are beneficiaries of the Solidaridad card.
The government also proposes that RD$1.98 billion be allotted to the Ministry of Public Works and a similar amount to the Public Works Supervisory Office of the Presidency to complete works that are 75% advanced, including the Pinalito Dam in Constanza.
The current spending savings would come from reductions in government officer vehicle purchase allotments, per diems, gasoline allotments, cell phone use, advertising.
Senate president Reynaldo Pared Perez said that as soon as the budget is submitted to Congress a bicameral committee will be called to study the bill and expedite its approval.
The ruling PLD is majority in Congress.
More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#1)