The deputy Javier Sucre presented before the Plenary of the National Assembly Bill 256, which establishes a new discount scheme for retirees, pensioners and older adults, after incorporating modifications suggested by the Executive Body.
The proposal comes after the president José Raúl Mulino completely vetoed bill 226, which reformed the Law 6 of 1987 on benefits for retirees and the elderly.
The Executive argued reasons of inconvenience and unenforceability, among them the lack of an evaluation of the fiscal impact, possible effects on micro and small businesses and provisions that, in its opinion, contravened the Constitution and current legislation.
Sucre explained that the new project maintains as a priority discounts related to the basic needs of older adults, including food, medications, medical care and mobility items, such as wheelchairs, canes and walkers.
It also includes benefits in essential home services, including electricity, water, garbage collection, telephone and internet.
The deputy indicated that the benefits related to tourism, hotels and other leisure activities were also reviewed, taking into account the recommendations made during the meetings between the Government, the Assembly, retirees and the private sector.
In these conversations, it was precisely proposed to adjust the scheme to prioritize the products and services most useful for older adults and reduce possible effects on micro and small businesses.
Sucre maintained that the discounts are necessary given the cost of living and pointed out that an increase in pensions, by itself, would not solve the economic difficulties of retirees if they continue to face high prices for food, medicines and basic services.
According to the deputy, an older adult who takes advantage of the contemplated discounts throughout the year could achieve savings of up to $1,000, a figure that, he stated, may represent a greater economic benefit than an eventual pension increase.
The parliamentarian also announced that he requested a meeting with the Minister of Economy and Finance, Philip Chapmanto explain the initiatives aimed at improving the economic situation of older adults and seek the resources that make them effective.
Sucre also called on merchants not to oppose the discount scheme and maintained that it is up to the Ministry of Economy and Finance to establish the mechanisms so that businesses can recover the amounts discounted to retirees.
“I understand the position of businessmen and their fear of discounts, but I assure you that none of them are going to go bankrupt because there will be greater consumption.”stated the deputy, who recognized the difficulties that the economy is currently going through and the low level of consumption.
Bill 256 must now complete the corresponding legislative process, including the three debates in the National Assembly, before being sent back to the Executive for its eventual sanction scheduled for October 31 at the latest.
