The Listin Diario reports that an analysis of the National Budget results for July shows that non-personal services (telephone service, electricity, water, laundry, janitor services, advertising and propaganda, per diem, rent, medical insurance, vehicles, banking expenditures and professional services) increased 190% in July 2001 compared to July 2000. Likewise, the Mejia government spent 140% more on materials and supplies than the previous administration. According to Onapres, the budget office, the government spent RD$118 million in July 2001 for the purchase of non-personal services, up from RD$40.5 million in July 2000. One of the items which increased the most was advertising and propaganda, which went from RD$2 million in 2000 to RD$36 million in 2001. Materials and supplies increased from RD$57.5 million in July 2000 to RD$138.3 million in July 2001.
