NT$380 billion (US$12 billion) will be allotted for Taiwan's post-pandemic recovery plan. The announcement came from the Legislature on Tuesday, when the proposal was passed. The budget will cover a one-time universal cash payment, health insurance maintenance, public transportation expansion, student loan subsidies, and more.
Premier Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁) says the Cabinet will act swiftly to implement the new policies after the Legislature approves the proposal. Chen adds he will pay special attention to small and midsize businesses and low income populations.
Different political parties could not reach an agreement on the proposal's "others" section because they each had a different agenda in mind. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) responded by removing the clause and specified subsidizing student loans and expanding the arts and humanities.
After the changes, parties reached a unanimous agreement on how to use the budget, including a NT$6,000 (US$200) cash payment to all citizens. DPP lawmaker Liu Shih-fang (劉世芳) says the NT$380 billion (US$12 billion) will address concerns from all groups in Taiwan.