December 21, 2022

17:12

Ívina Garcia – From Amazon Agency

MANAUS – The Proposed Amendment to the Constitution (PEC) 32/2022, known as “PEC of the Transition”, drawn up by the Lula Government and which aims to free up space in the budget of 2023 above the spending ceiling, had the basic text approved by 331 votes to 168, in first round, on Tuesday, 20, in the House of Representatives, in Brasilia, with support from the majority of parliamentarians of Amazonas.

Among the Amazonas lawmakers who voted supporting the PEC are: Átila Lins (PSD), Marcelo Ramos (PSD), Sidney Leite (PSD), José Ricardo (PT) e Bosco Saraiva (Solidariedade). Already parliamentarians against the proposal are: Captain Alberto Neto (PL), Silas Câmara (Republicanos) and Delegate Pablo (União Brasil).

Before approved by the Senate, the text increases for two years the ceiling spending on R$ 145 billion. Half of this amount will go to the Bolsa Familia of R$ 600 and additional R$ 150 for each child up to 6 years. If there is extra revenue, R$ 23 billion will be allocated for investments.

The parliamentarians can still make changes in the vote in second round, which takes place since the morning of Wednesday, 21, needing 308 votes in favour. If the text is approved without changes, the expectation is that the PEC is enacted in Congress this week.

According to the text of the rapporteur, Mr. Elmar Nascimento (Union-BA), the budget space will not be valid for 2024, as stated in the PEC coming from the Senate. The rapporteur amendments, considered unconstitutional by the Supreme Court (STF), on Monday, 19, also suffered alteration in the PEC.

After agreement reached between the Lula government and party leaders, the new text defines that resources will be apportioned between individual amendments and programs of discretionary implementation by the Executive (execution not mandatory).