Budget 2014
Last week’s announcement of Budget 2014 is good news for most families in Kapiti and Horowhenua.
An incredible amount of hard work goes into producing the Budget. I applaud the Minister of Finance Bill English for his stewardship of our country’s finances, particularly for getting us back into surplus.
In 2008 the National Government inherited Government spending at an all-time high and a decade of deficits ahead.
This Government has had a real focus on saving rather than misspending and that has enabled Bill English to deliver his very successful sixth Budget.
We have seen a huge turn around with economic growth forecast to be 4 per cent next year. This has helped the Government to invest in a $500 million health package for children and families.
Free GP visits and prescriptions for all children under 13 years of age will be available from July next year. We believe no parent should be put off getting their sick child to see a doctor.
Budget 2014 also includes an additional $171.8 million over four years to enhance parental leave provisions. This will see Paid Parental Leave extended from 14 weeks to 18 staged over the next two years. Young parents will now find it that little bit easier to take time off work and spend time with their new-born child.
The Government will also be providing $96 million for home-based support services, which is great news for the people of our region who rely on these services. $40 million additional support will also be provided for elderly people, including those with dementia.
The Budget contains an additional $110 million to fund more elective surgery and reduce waiting times. We have seen record increases in the number of operations completed and this investment will help strengthen this further.
These announcements show what careful financial management can deliver for Kiwi families. Getting back into surplus is a huge achievement considering the adversity we have faced, including a global recession and the Canterbury Earthquakes.
From my diary
*Cabinet was on Monday.
*The House is sitting this week.
*On Wednesday I am in Canterbury attending the Annual Deer Industry Conference
In 2008 the National Government inherited Government spending at an all-time high and a decade of deficits ahead.
This Government has had a real focus on saving rather than misspending and that has enabled Bill English to deliver his very successful sixth Budget.
We have seen a huge turn around with economic growth forecast to be 4 per cent next year. This has helped the Government to invest in a $500 million health package for children and families.
Free GP visits and prescriptions for all children under 13 years of age will be available from July next year. We believe no parent should be put off getting their sick child to see a doctor.
Budget 2014 also includes an additional $171.8 million over four years to enhance parental leave provisions. This will see Paid Parental Leave extended from 14 weeks to 18 staged over the next two years. Young parents will now find it that little bit easier to take time off work and spend time with their new-born child.
The Government will also be providing $96 million for home-based support services, which is great news for the people of our region who rely on these services. $40 million additional support will also be provided for elderly people, including those with dementia.
The Budget contains an additional $110 million to fund more elective surgery and reduce waiting times. We have seen record increases in the number of operations completed and this investment will help strengthen this further.
These announcements show what careful financial management can deliver for Kiwi families. Getting back into surplus is a huge achievement considering the adversity we have faced, including a global recession and the Canterbury Earthquakes.
From my diary
*Cabinet was on Monday.
*The House is sitting this week.
*On Wednesday I am in Canterbury attending the Annual Deer Industry Conference