Kwang-Hyeon Lim "Use the future response fund to secure firefighting resources and consult closely with the National Assembly."

“Financial decentralization task force is in full operation… We are also discussing ways to utilize local education tax for cigarette consumption tax.”

“Neither the people’s livelihood nor the opportunity to preoccupy the future can wait… It is imperative to process the budget within the statutory deadline.”

(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Lim Hyeong-seop and Hwang Yoon-ki = Presidential Chief of Staff Lim Kwang-hyun said on the 8th, "We will closely discuss with the National Assembly and review additional support for next year's firefighting budget to expand essential firefighting equipment and facilities, and the use of future response funds to secure urgent firefighting resources."

Director Lim said this at a high-level party-government conference held at the Prime Minister's official residence in Samcheong-dong, Seoul on this day, saying, "Firefighting is an essential public service directly related to the lives of the people, and it is important to have a safe financial foundation so that no matter what region you live in, you can receive sufficient protection."

In particular, he said, "Even after the transition of firefighters to national positions, firefighting duties and financial burdens still remain the responsibility of local governments, raising firefighting financial difficulties centering on Gyeonggi-do," and added, "I strongly agree with the party's proposal that discussions on fiscal decentralization to expand local finances should be quickly pursued along with securing urgent firefighting resources."

In this context, Director Lim explained, "We will fully operate the fiscal decentralization task force (TF) within the government to prepare fundamental measures to increase the stability of firefighting resources and expand local fiscal capacity," and added, "We will also discuss with the National Assembly ways to utilize local education taxes for cigarette consumption tax."

Regarding the winter natural disaster response plan, Director Lim said, “We must thoroughly prepare for snow removal on the way to and from work and protection of the vulnerable,” and ordered, “As the President always emphasizes, please check the response system to the end to reduce preventable deaths.”

He also requested the ruling party's cooperation on next year's budget plan, which is being considered by the National Assembly.

Director Lim emphasized, "Next year's budget includes a K-shaped budget to respond to polarization, a comprehensive support budget for each growth stage of youth, and a budget to support three major mega projects. Neither the people's livelihood nor the opportunity to preoccupy the future will wait for us. Processing the budget within the legal deadline is urgent."

He added, “The government will faithfully reflect the voices and policy proposals from the field delivered by the party and fully explain the necessity and expected effects of the project to the public and the National Assembly.” He added, “We ask for the party’s support to ensure that the budget is processed in a timely manner.”