Unhappy with the federal government's draft bill on basic child benefits, Saarland's Social Affairs Minister Magnus Jung (SPD) is pushing for changes. He's voiced his concerns to the German Press Agency, hinting at the possibility of appealing to the mediation committee should the bill not undergo fundamental alterations. This debate is set to unfold in the Bundesrat on Friday.
Saarland currently has an alarming child poverty rate, with nearly one in five children at risk. Minister Jung applauds the federal government's initiative to combat childhood destitution and improve opportunities for youth, but he insists the proposed bill falls short of expectations.
He advocates for education and participation benefits to be disbursed as a lump sum, with the full financial burden entrusted to the federal government, as opposed to the states. Additionally, he advocates for low-threshold advice options and an expansion of the planned family service at the Federal Employment Agency, aiming to ensure accessible advice throughout Saarland.
Minister Jung isn't impressed with the draft law's suggestion of up to four different contact points for applicants; he understands that simplifying the application process is crucial for actual improvement in support for affected families. Moreover, he argues that implementing the basic child benefit alone won't be enough to alleviate poverty in the long run; additional benefits or infrastructure initiatives will be necessary.
Lastly, Jung proposes a phased introduction of the law, giving administrators ample time to adapt. He believes that failing to address child poverty effectively could lead to far-reaching consequences, not just for the young population, but for the state as well. This would result in significantly higher expenditures overall.
In summary, Saarland's Social Affairs Minister, Magnus Jung (SPD), is advocating for substantial improvements to the federal government's draft bill on basic child benefits to effectively combat poverty among children and youth in Germany. He's stressing the importance of investing in low-threshold advice options, ensuring comprehensive coverage, and a phased introduction of the new policy.
