Senior citizens took to the streets outside the legislature yesterday, demanding that lawmakers fund a government proposal to provide NT$3,000 monthly stipends to citizens 65 and older.
The plan, one of President Chen Shui-bian's (陳水扁) campaign promises, would cost an estimated NT$16 billion next year if approved.
According to the Ministry of the Interior, roughly 440,000 Taiwanese senior citizens would qualify for the stipends.
"Senior citizens are asking for respect," yelled the crowd yesterday, led by DPP legislator Lee Wen-chung (李文忠). "Pass the budget plan as soon as possible."
Opposition lawmakers have opposed the stipends, saying the cash-strapped nation can't afford to pay the monthly benefit.
Critics yesterday also questioned the government's move to include the allowances as a part of its budget proposal for next year, saying it was a ploy to gain votes for the DPP before the Dec. 1 legislative elections.
DPP legislator Tsai Huang-liang (
"The concern is purely based on justice and equality," Tsai said.
The nation's budget for next year is expected to be finalized after the legislature's break for the elections next month. If all goes well, the budget should be approved before the legislative session's closure in late December.
Former government officials, teachers and military personnel who already receive a monthly pension wouldn't qualify for the NT$3,000 allowance.
In addition, citizens above 65 who receive financial assistance from the government through other programs wouldn't qualify.
Also, senior citizens whose yearly personal income is greater than NT$500,000 or whose real estate holdings are worth more than NT$5 million would be excluded. Prisoners or suspects being held for criminal trial will not be eligible either.
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