The government allots to the Legislative Branch more funds than to three ministries together, as reported by Hoy newspaper. Data shows that the national legislature is one of the best paid in the region. The National Budget allotted the legislators RD$500 million in wages for 2019, or more than the funds of the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Labor and Ministry of Sports together. The main beneficiaries are the 190 deputies and 32 senators who make up the legislative bodies. The president of the Senate is paid RD$430,000 in wages, and much more in perks. The other senators have base wages of RD$360,000 a month. Other benefits are their generous social security plan, pension plan, medical insurance, per diem, luxury vehicle tax exemptions, among others.
52% of the funds allotted to the legislator, or RD$1.24 billion will go for wages for the 222 legislators.
Meanwhile, youth unemployment in the Dominican Republic is 30%. Minimum wages in the Dominican Republic range from RD$14,546 to RD$8,862, according to the Ministry of Labor.
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Hoy
24 October 2018
