The Senate approved the 2018 National Budget as sent by the Presidency. The budget was approved in two consecutive readings. It is for RD$814.8 billion.
The budget passed in the Senate includes an amendment to a first bill that was submitted by the Presidency. The amendment increases the budget allotments for ProConsumidor, the Chamber of Accounts and the Ombudsman Office.
It also authorizes a US$80 million loan with the World Bank and another for US$50 with the European Investment Bank. The first is for the Yaque del Norte and Ozama-Isabela River Basin Natural Resources and Farming Management Project, the second is for disaster risk management to be implemented by the Ministry of Public Works and the National Housing Institute (INVI). The budget had already authorized contracting financing for risk mitigation for US$200 million.
Only senator Jose Ignacio Paliza (PRM-Puerto Plata) did not vote yes for the bill. He criticized the continuing taking on of debt by the government and the increase in the public payroll.
The bill now moves to the Chamber of Deputies for approval.
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Listin Diario
13 November 2017
