Jo Kyung-tae "Proposes Supplementary Budget for Nationwide Heating Cost Support... 100,000 Won per Month for 3 Months"

Emergency Response to 195.5 Trillion KRW During COVID-19
Support Possible with Only 6.4 Trillion KRW
Current Government Measures Increase Amounts for Existing Support Targets

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Jo Kyung-tae, a member of the People Power Party running for party leadership, called for the allocation of an additional supplementary budget for nationwide heating cost support on the 29th. Jo proposed a plan to provide 100,000 won per household per month for three months.

In a press release on the same day, Jo said, "The economy of ordinary people is literally in an emergency situation due to the COVID-19-induced economic recession, inflation exceeding 5%, interest rates raised seven consecutive times, and the heating cost bomb," adding, "In an emergency situation, policy support appropriate to the situation is absolutely necessary."

He evaluated, "The astronomical supplementary budget of 195.5 trillion won prepared over the past three years due to the COVID-19 crisis was also a response to an emergency situation."

Regarding the government's announcement of support policies for low-income households, Jo expressed a critical stance, saying, "I think it is still a measure that does not empathize with the current situation." He pointed out, "The government says it will support heating costs for 2.77 million households out of 21.44 million households," and added, "The 2.77 million households are not the target of an emergency measure but those who were already supported in normal times, with only the amount increased."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

He specifically proposed emergency heating cost support for all citizens. Jo said, "Even if only 3.3% of the 195.5 trillion won, which is 6.4 trillion won, is spent, heating costs can be supported for all citizens at 100,000 won per month for three months," and urged, "I call on the political circles and the government. An 'emergency heating cost support supplementary budget' must be immediately prepared to serve as a warm shield for citizens shivering in the cold."