Legislator Ottón Solís has 12 amendments to the 8.9-billion-colones budget draft, presented by the Executive to the Legislative Assembly. It is pending in the Committee on Financial Affairs’ lists.
These are motions to the budget law and it aims to save near 17 billion colones in advertising, rentals, travel, consultancies, which is equivalent to 31 million dollars,
indicated Solís.
One of the highest amounts that Solís is proposing to cut is related to economic and social services from 9 ministries, the Comptroller General’s Office, the Ombudsman and the Supreme Electoral Court (TSE).
Another item that the congressman intends to reduce is expense on advertising, propaganda and information.
In descending order, the motions intended by Solís will also reduce the budget in the following items:
Printing and binding (¢ 446,443,334 million).
Ceremonial and social activities (¢ 298,368,119 million).
International Transportation (¢ 239,564,636 million).
International Travel expenses (¢ 220,282,493 million).
Solís clarified that in his motions he is not proposing to cut the Special Fund for Higher Education (FEES). In addition, he is not reducing the budget of the Judiciary, amounting to ¢ 421 billion.
On the other hand, Otto Guevara, head of Partido Libertario, declared that he will propose to reduce annuity payments to public employees, as well as the expenses from the National Children’s Trust (PANI).
In addition, according to an agreement made by the opposition parties, the opposition alliance will not allow the budget 2017 to go beyong the 2.5% limit.
The Committee on Financial Affairs from the Legislative Assembly must make a decision before October 31th in order to rule the draft budget.