El Siglo newspaper reports that government collections increased RD$559 million in March over February, but that collections for the first trimester were below what was planned. Tax collections for the first trimester totalled RD$14,231.5 million, or RD$1,123.2 million less than estimated, according to the National Budget Office (ONAPRES). This amount includes a RD$800 million loan the government obtained from a pool of banks to make payments on the foreign debt. El Siglo says current expenditures have used up 76% of government income for the year. Despite its claims of having inherited a nation in a calamitous state from the previous administration, the Mejia government has added many new jobs. El Siglo newspaper points out that the government paid out RD$12,085.7 million in wages from August 2000 to March 2001, up from RD$10,020.4 million for August 1999 to March 2000.
