New Aid APPROVED: More than R$1,141,300 for those with income less than five minimum wages.

On Monday, the 18th, the Chamber of Deputies approved a bill proposing an innovative financial aid program for low-income families. This initiative represents a ray of hope for many individuals facing insurmountable difficulties.

The Bill that Establishes a Renewed Aid

Bill 5180/20, known as the legislative proposal in question, aims to provide financial assistance, in up to five installments, each with a ceiling of one minimum wage (R$ 1,320), to families earning up to five minimum wages who have been affected by natural disasters or periods of drought.

Representative Alceu Moreira (MDB-RS), author of the project adaptation, emphasized the relevance of this new aid. He argued that this measure represents a significant advance in supporting family farmers, whose livelihoods are frequently threatened by long periods of drought.

Project Context

The original proposal, drafted by former congressman Celso Maldaner, aimed to help family farmers affected by droughts, granting up to three installments, each equivalent to a minimum wage. As Maldaner noted: “"The idea is to ensure that small producers are able to support their families in a dignified manner when they are unable to carry out their main economic activity.".

This bill is an extension of Law 10.954/04, which established emergency aid for the population of municipalities in a state of public calamity or emergency.

Regulation and Implementation

According to the draft text, the details of the benefit will be defined through an ordinance from the Ministry of Integration and Regional Development, based on guidelines established by a management committee. The resources needed for the payments will be allocated in the ministry's budget.

Project Process

The bill will follow a conclusive process and will be reviewed by the Finance and Taxation Committee, as well as the Constitution, Justice and Citizenship Committee. If approved by all committees, the bill will be sent to the President for approval.

This legislative proposal represents real hope for low-income families struggling to survive amidst natural disasters. The Chamber of Deputies plays a vital role in protecting the rights of these families by offering new assistance to address their financial challenges.

The approval of this project will not only help families in need, but will also contribute to the food security of local communities. It is an important step towards ensuring that no one is neglected in times of crisis.

Regarding Bill 5180/20

Bill 5180/20 proposes authorizing the Executive Branch to implement financial aid for family farmers facing hardship due to drought. This bill is currently under review in the Chamber of Deputies.

According to the proposal, to be eligible for financial assistance, the family farmer must reside in a municipality declared to be in a state of emergency or public calamity due to drought. Alternatively, farmers living in a region of Santa Catarina affected by drought since 2019 are also eligible. Furthermore, the average monthly family income cannot exceed five minimum wages.

Additionally, the beneficiary must be registered in the Single Registry for Social Programs of the Federal Government (CadÚnico), possess the Declaration of Eligibility for the National Program for Strengthening Family Farming (Pronaf), and not receive any federal social security, welfare, or income transfer benefits, with the exception of Bolsa Família.

The author of the proposal, former congressman Celso Maldaner (MDB-SC), explained that this benefit aims to guarantee the livelihood of small rural producers and their families during times when they are prevented from carrying out their main professional and economic activity.

How does the Drought Relief Program help families?

Drought Relief is a financial assistance program aimed at helping families affected by drought and facing economic hardship as a result. This type of aid is important and beneficial in several ways:

Financial Relief

The Drought Relief Program provides immediate financial relief to families suffering from drought. It provides financial resources that can be used to purchase food, water, medicine, and other essential items, helping to mitigate the impacts of resource scarcity caused by lack of rain.

Family Support

For many family farmers who depend on agricultural production, drought can mean the loss of their main source of income. This aid allows these families to maintain the livelihood of their members, ensuring food on the table and meeting basic needs.

Prevention of Extreme Poverty

Drought can push families into extreme poverty, making them unable to meet their basic needs. Drought Relief helps prevent families from falling into precarious and desperate situations, contributing to the maintenance of a minimum level of dignity.

Maintaining Agricultural Production

For farmers, financial assistance can be crucial to maintaining agricultural operations during a drought. This may involve the purchase of inputs, such as seeds and fertilizers, or investments in water conservation methods.

Stimulating the Local Economy

Drought Relief can also have a positive impact on the local economy. By injecting financial resources into drought-stricken areas, the program can help maintain economic activity and prevent a further decline in rural communities.

Reducing Rural Exodus

In situations of prolonged drought, families may be forced to leave their land and seek livelihoods in urban areas. Assistance can help reduce rural exodus, allowing people to remain in their communities and continue cultivating the land when weather conditions improve.

In summary, Drought Relief plays a crucial role in supporting families facing the challenges of drought, providing necessary financial resources for their livelihoods and contributing to the economic stability of affected communities.

See also: How can I get assistance through Brasil Sorridente? Learn more here.

September 20, 2023