野 criticizes cuts in Gyeonggi-do memorial event expenses and vehicle replacement expenses for fallen firefighters

Choo Mi-ae "We will proceed simply, focusing on the bereaved family... We will ensure that equipment is replaced immediately."

(Suwon = Yonhap News) Reporter Choi Hae-min = At the National Assembly's Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee's audit of Gyeonggi Province's government on the 19th, opposition party members continued to criticize the reduction of fire truck replacement costs, the cost of memorial events for fallen firefighters, and the performance of the fire safety grant tax.

Rep. Kim Eun-hye of the People's Power Party requested the submission of data prior to making a statement, saying, "It is said that Gyeonggi Province has cut 2.65 billion won in the budget for replacing old firefighting vehicles, making replacement of fire trucks at six fire stations difficult or possibly delayed until next year. In today's memorial address to the late Kim Jin-seok, you promised to improve the working environment and treatment for safety. Please submit the detailed status of how this will be reflected in next year's budget."

He added, "Secondly, as the 100 million won in event expenses for the 'Gyeonggi Fire 119 Memorial Day', which honors the souls of firefighters who died in the line of duty, was completely cut, the fire headquarters is said to be spending 7.5 million won of its own expenses to hold the event in the auditorium," adding, "It is unfortunate that this is the way Gyeonggi Province honors the heroes who sacrificed their lives for the people of the province."

Representative Jeong Hee-yong of the same party pointed out in his statement, "The 119 Memorial Day event held for the first time last year was attended by about 5,500 people, including 12 families of those who died in the line of duty. This year, the entire budget was cut, so it was reduced to an event with only 60 people. However, the governor is criticized by the public for purchasing a chartered residence and an official car."

Rep. Kim Mi-ae of the same party took issue with the fact that Gyeonggi Province cut the budget for replacing fire trucks due to a lack of budget and that it is not properly executing the 120 billion won fire safety grant tax budget.

Rep. Kim said, "I fully understand the financial difficulties, but are we using our financial resources properly?" He pointed out, "Last year, Gyeonggi Province's fire safety grant tax execution rate was 95.37%, ranking 17th out of 18 cities and provinces nationwide. In 9 places, the execution rate was 100%."

The fire safety grant tax is a financial resource that supports the operation of firefighting personnel and the expansion of firefighting equipment.

He asked, "Out of the 127.2 billion won in fire safety grants received by Gyeonggi Province this year, 80.5 billion won (63.3%) has been used by the end of September, with 46.7 billion still remaining." He asked, "With less than three months left in the year, when and how much will be implemented to replace firefighter protective equipment and old equipment?"

In response, Governor Chu explained, "Rather than saying that the budget for the memorial event has actually been reduced, all events are being suspended because the budget is empty. The fire department decided to simplify it into a practical event centered on the bereaved family, so that's what happened."

He added, “We will take a closer look at the non-execution rate of the fire safety grant tax, including the low execution rate last year,” and added, “We will ensure that replacement of protective equipment and old equipment is carried out immediately and properly.”