Chapter 4 Media Article
"B.C. budget focus turns to children" Times Colonist, February 22, 2006Finance Minister Carole Taylor says the BC government will spent over $400 million this year in the children and families sector. This is only a fraction of what the government is spending towards the public sector workers. The reasoning behind the government's choice of spending $6 billion in the public worker sector since their contract ends this spring. About $ 1 - 2 million dollars will go towards benefits and wages.
Even though there are tax breaks for home owners, an estimated $733 million, more than half will be going to provide a $100 increase in the B.C. homeowner's grant. While there are tax breaks there, unfortunately there will not be a decrease in PST as many had hoped for.
In the 2005 budget, the majority of the Governments fund had gone to seniors, however this year the concern turns to children. $421 million will be spent in this sector which will "step in and help children and families before they reach a crisis. It includes millions for more social workers and counsellors, support for families with special needs children and to fight crystal meth addiction." For every dollar spent on children, there will be a $3 will be going towards tax cuts.
"The government plans to increase B.C.'s debt to $39.8 billion by 2009, up $5 billion from 2005-06."
In relation to Chapter 4
Government spending this year has changed from spending money on seniors to the children. In Wagner's theory says that more services are required more in rurual areas than urban areas. The baby boomers are now reaching the retirement age and they'll require more services, so I guess that's why the budget in 2005 was focused on them. However this year, the children have their time in the spotlight as they are the future of this city.
posted by Meghan @ 10:08 PM
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