Secretary for Labour & Welfare Matthew Cheung says he is confident funding proposals related to people’s livelihood can be passed within this legislative year.
Speaking to reporters today, Mr Cheung said the items under his purview include two rehabilitation centres, which will provide altogether 1,450 residential places for the handicapped and more than 700 day training places.
These places are under heavy demand, he said, adding he believes legislators will not delay the passage of these proposals.
He said the Government will disperse two-months' extra welfare payments in July, involving $5.5 billion, benefiting more than 1.2 million grassroots people.
It will launch a subsidy for low-income families next year, benefitting more than 700,000 grassroots, and will boost the upward mobility of children in these families.
Mr Cheung also noted that the $2 transport fare concession scheme will be expanded tomorrow, covering 55 more green minibus routes. The subsidy provided under the scheme will rise from $58 million to $90 million after the inclusion of green minibuses, which shows the Government’s commitment to the well-being of the elderly, he added.
