Budget 2018: Initial Reaction

BUDGET 2018 INITIAL REACTION

FOREWORD Fellow student, Pulse shall once again be at the forefront of what concerns students on a national level. We are doing so through the use of a post-budget document drawn up by a designated team of students who have worked to ensure that this is brought to you at the earliest hour possible.

As an organisation Pulse and its team fully understand that we are not experts in this field, as such there is a possibility of a small margin of error amid the fact that Pulse sought not to make any.

This document is a review of the proposals put forward by the government in relation to youth and their education. It is thus because of this that the drafters shall be both critical and complementary of what was presented yesterday evening by the Minister of Finance; Hon Dr Edward Scicluna. The team therefore invites fellow students to read this short review and not hesitate to pass on constructive criticism. As an organisation we seek to improve ourselves, in order to better voice your concerns and safeguard your rights.

We wish you the best of luck for this socialistic year ahead of you.

The Pulse Team

LIST OF CONTENTS Foreword List of Contents

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Analysis of the Budget and comments passed on: On youth and education On transport On Reform and new legal introductions Concluding remarks

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ON YOUTH AND EDUCATION 1.

Free public transport for youth aged 16 to 20. - This proposal in our opinion is positive in light of the fact that it helps students decrease the expenditure where transport is concerned. As such it is also an eco-friendly measure since students will have a greater incentive to travel by public transportation rather than their own private transport; this could mean that one has approximately (30) thirty less cars on the road. A point which is essential to improve the environment whilst meeting the targets set in relation to reducing our carbon footprint in line with the United Nations Paris Accord that Prime Minister; Hon Dr Joseph Muscat signed in April 2016.

Above all Pulse is proud of of this initiative since it was taken onboard by the Government following talks with this year’s KSJC (Kunsill Studenti Junior College), a council that seeks to put the students need first and foremost.

2.

Free transport to students attending independent and church schools - Such an initiative helps create a scenario where equality is being put at the fore. Thus, it is the organisation’s belief that this proposal is positive and one that should have been implemented when transport was already free for those children who attend government schools.

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As of 2019, SEC and MATSEC Examination expenses will be absorbed by the government. The same expenses will be halved for 2018. - This initiative will provide students who are facing financial constraints with a chance that was not made available to them prior. By implementing this, the government is providing students with the same educational opportunities; especially since MATSEC and SEC exams are costly.

Thereby, it may be the very reason why some students give less subjects than what they are capable of sitting for.

Once again Pulse is humbled when this initiative was announced since it was brought forward during the discussions between the Ministry of Education and the Pulse representatives when ‘Change the System’ was launched. Therefore it gave our organisation an even stronger motivation to keep on aiming for a higher standard for all students without discrimination.

4.

People under 40 who continue their postgraduate equivalent to MQF Level 7 (Masters) and MQF Level 8 (Ph.D) will not pay income tax until two years after they finish their course. - In putting this forward, the government keeps on proving that it aims to have a well-educated workforce by giving incentives which before were not available. Pulse however hopes that the financial stakeholders have job markets available for such individuals who pursue a Masters and a Ph.D. This is duly because as it appears there is also a stark reality that some employers do not employ candidates who submit an application since they are “over-qualified”. Whilst we understand that it is a pilot project, we look forward to seeing this proposal implemented with a strategic and structural plan.

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The government shall embark on a pilot project offering new services for children with autism. - A proposal of this nature is one Pulse awaits to see implemented as it truly seeks to create inclusive education.

The implementation of this project should help see students through even in their post-school years, since those may sometimes be some of the most difficult. Therefore, we propose a system of monitoring to provide severe cases of autism with the ability to do basic tasks, bearing in mind that we are a nation that promotes solidarity and social understanding which seeks to leave no one at bay as this is budget clearly shows.

6.

Government will be rebuilding four schools situated in Marsaskala, Qawra, Msida and Victoria. Such development is positive in nature since the government is once again proving that one must invest in youth as they are the workforce of tomorrow.

Pulse does however, call upon the government to be aware of the limited amount of virgin-land available.

As such we propose that all four schools are built on land that was already, or is, constructed on. A matter we are sure the government will consider, though one we feel obliged to put forward.

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Additional investment in a National Centre for cancer research. - Finding a cure for such an illness is essential, and investing in its research is vital. Thus Pulse believes that this is proof of the government’s interest of having a better and more advanced health care system.

This does not however mean that it does not leave more to be desired; especially because more investment on research on other areas of health care, as well as other tiers of research where sciences may be involved.

8.

An increase in stipend shall be based on COLA . - This is an annual budgetary measure students look forward to, and one that is awaited by many.

Pulse thanks the government, both past and present, for maintaining the stipend even if there may have been fears of reduction or total repeat of this social benefit.

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ON TRANSPORT 1.

Full VAT and rebates on two-wheeled vehicles. - This proposal is one which serves to tackle the current traffic problem that seems to be constant in our country, whilst also decreasing the pollution of the roads.

It is also in line with the government’s targets of becoming more eco-friendly and even more sustainable whilst also lessening the amounts of cars on the roads being driven by daily users. Thus the government is holding true to the fact that as of present this legislature is already implementing its manifesto. Additionally one should also invest in eco-friendly buses which run on electricity as a pilot project (similarly to the Dutch system).

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Grants for more bikes and bike racks. - Pulse gladly agrees with this proposal in view of the fact that there is an alternative form of transport. A form of transport which improves the environment and ones health. The organisation looks forward to seeing this measure implemented, even in educational institutions such as Junior College, GCHSS (Giovanni Curmi Higher Secondary Naxxar), MCAST, Sir M.A. Refalo (Gozo).

ON REFORMS AND NEW LEGAL INTRODUCTIONS 1.

Use of Cannabis for medical reasons. - As the organisation repeatedly made clear time and again Pulse agrees with the introduction of such a law. This is because it has been scientifically proven that cannabis does have a healing element in some cases more than other (e.g. severe epilepsy - in severe cases it reduces the number of seizures per day).

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VOTE 16 - “Vote 16” is a measure Pulse supported from the very start, especially since it was the first student organisation to speak about this topic in particular when many considered to be taboo.

Therefore, the organisation supports this bill to the full extent should it be put forward. We look forward to the discussions in this regard.

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Integration of migrants. - Following the launch of our policy on migration Pulse is proud to note that the government has even made integration of migrants part of its agenda for the year 2018. We are glad to note that our government aims to integrate all people even though there are those who might not agree with this reform taking into consideration nations like the United States of America which lately also seems to be discriminatory.

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WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN ADDED? In our opinion the government could have addressed University students and students as a whole on a greater level. This is because, as of present little has been said about such student body.

An example would relate to the Gozitan students in view of the fact that it failed to mention how it intends to regulate the rent prices that the students have to pay year in year out. This is because as of present, the students have little to no say in regard. The increase in said prices may sometimes be exorbitant and higher than what they are able to afford. Thus, rent is one of the biggest issues that the students have to deal with year in year out.

As such Pulse appeals to the government to try to regulate the rent relating to students, since it is true that not every student affords to pay a â‚Ź500.00 rent even though the government gives yearly grants to help the students. The reality of the matter is that unless rent will be regularised, no subsidy or grant can truly help students.

Other matters that could have been addressed is a parking extension at University, since parking is an ongoing issue which the vast majority of students face day in day out. We fully understand that this matter involves more than just a budgetary allocation due to the possible environmental impact, however it is the first step in the right direction which proves that the government intends to tackle this problem head-on without many excuses or bureaucratic processes.

Pulse does see that some issues were not addressed, though it still takes stock of the fact that these might be addressed in the years to come. The government has over the years, through initiatives relating to youth and their education proved that it intends to improve the student life in Malta and to continue attracting foreign students and residents.

CONCLUDING REMARKS Pulse would like to take this opportunity to thank each stakeholder involved in drafting this budgetary document covering the Financial Year of 2018. We look forward to seeing the allotted â‚Ź3,000,000,00 (+) from the Consolidated Fund being put to good use; particularly in regard to students, education, transport, energy and other relevant areas.

Additionally, we would like to remind the legislature to bare in mind that there will always be individuals who will face financial turmoil. As positive as this year’s budget might be, one must still keep a watchful eye on those struggling especially when the youth are involved, because no one should be lost within the fabric of society.

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