President Lai mentions NT$5,000 monthly allowance for children up to 18

President Lai Ching-te visited Wang Ling Temple in Chiayi City this morning to pay respects and present a plaque. He reiterated the new policy of a "NT$5,000 monthly growth allowance for 0 to 18-year-olds" set to launch in January next year. President Lai emphasized that with a good economy and increased tax revenue, the dividends should be shared to care for the people. He asked, "If you receive the full amount for 18 years, for one child, the government will give you NT$1.08 million. Does everyone agree?" The crowd responded with cheers and shouts of "Yes!"

This morning, President Lai was accompanied by Legislators Wang Mei-hui and Chen Guan-ting, National Policy Advisor Huang Chun-sen, Chiayi City Councilor and DPP Chiayi City Chapter Chairman Huang Da-you, and other party officials to Wang Ling Temple for worship and to present a plaque. Lai then held a public address on the temple grounds to explain various policy achievements and future plans to the local residents.

Due to the hot weather, an elderly supervisor from the temple, Mr. Chen, felt unwell and vomited on the spot, accompanied by low blood pressure and cold sweats. President Lai immediately transformed into "Dr. Lai" and went to check on his condition. Fortunately, he was not seriously injured and was later taken away by ambulance.

In his speech, President Lai pointed out that because the nation is progressing, the economy is developing, and tax revenue is increasing, the dividends should be shared to care for the people. Regarding the new policy of issuing NT$5,000 per month to those aged 0 to 18, he stated that if the full amount is received for 18 years, it amounts to NT$60,000 per year, and NT$1.08 million over 18 years. This means that for one child, the government will provide NT$1.08 million. He asked, "Does everyone agree?" The entire crowd immediately erupted in cheers and shouted, "Yes!"

President Lai also stated that allowances for six major vulnerable groups will be comprehensively increased, including the monthly NT$10,000 for elderly farmers, NT$5,000 per month for housewives' national pension, subsidies for low-income households, living allowances for students, living allowances for people with disabilities, and living assistance for vulnerable children and adolescents.

President Lai mentioned that the basic wage for laborers has also been continuously increasing. Starting at NT$20,008 during former President Tsai Ing-wen's term, it has been raised for 10 consecutive years, reaching NT$29,500. With adjustments this year, it will exceed NT$30,000.

President Lai added that military personnel, civil servants, and teachers also need to be taken care of. During Tsai Ing-wen's 8 years and my 2 years in office, salaries have increased 4 times, with two increases of 3% and two of 4%, totaling 14%. Former President Ma Ying-jeou had one increase of 3% over 8 years. President Tsai and I both care about military personnel, civil servants, and teachers. "Everyone misunderstands that the DPP cares less about them, but that's not true. We will show you through our actions." Premier Cho Jung-tai also stated that military personnel, civil servants, and teachers will receive another salary increase in August this year.

In addition to salary increases, there will also be tax reductions. President Tsai and I have continuously implemented tax reductions. Currently, 40% to 50% of people in Taiwan do not pay income tax, and the top 1% of earners pay taxes. With a good economy and increased government tax revenue, the more thoroughly the people are cared for, the more I will continue to work hard to make Taiwan better.