The Minister of Hacienda Simon Lizardo has reiterated that the government would continue to explore alternatives to find a solution to the problem of salary increases for public employees. Nevertheless, this issue was not discussed in a meeting held yesterday, Wednesday 9 October with the joint commission that is studying the legislative proposal for the 2014 National Budget. Lizardo said the commission is open to change and will hear suggestions regarding the budget submitted by the Executive Branch on Monday, 30 September.
Lizardo was accompanied by Budget Director Luis Reyes. During the four-hour meeting, according to commission chairman Dionis Sanchez, the senators expressed concern because a large number of ministries were requesting funds for construction projects, even though this is outside their remit.
In an editorial today, Thursday 10 October, Diario Libre says that the government needs to be careful when making wage increases to the most vocal and aggressive groups, while not favoring others that are just as needy. The editorial warns that most Dominicans work in the informal sector where they cannot benefit from wage increases. It also suggests that perhaps it is time for the government “to do what has not been done before” and cut some of the excess fat in government spending.
www.diariolibre.com/opinion/2013/10/10/i405898_salarios.html