A third stimulus bill meant to offset the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic passed in the Legislature on Friday morning. The bill allocates an additional NT$209 billion (US$7.3 billion) in funding towards medical resources and assisting businesses.
The economics ministry will receive most of the allocated funds, while the health ministry and transportation ministry will receive another portion.
The Cabinet originally proposed a package totaling NT$210 billion. However, after cross-party negotiations, lawmakers slashed NT$53 million out of the bill. This is the first time cuts have been made to a COVID-19 stimulus bill in Taiwan.
Cut items include money for quarantine tracking, subsidies for electricity bills, and education funds.