Fribourg voters approve supplementary benefits for families
Published: Sunday, Sep 22nd 2024, 14:30
Updated At: Sunday, Sep 22nd 2024, 14:31
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The canton of Fribourg can provide financial relief for families at risk of poverty. The electorate has clearly approved the law on supplementary benefits for families (FamELG) with almost 70 percent of votes in favor.
63,761 voters approved the bill, while 27,817 rejected it. The turnout was 43.2 percent, as the canton announced on Sunday.
This means that low-income Fribourg families with at least one child under the age of twelve will be able to receive support in the form of financial assistance and social care in future. The measure is intended to enable those affected to forgo or opt out of social assistance.
The canton of Fribourg estimates that around 1,500 families will be able to benefit from the services. The law comes into force on January 1, 2026.
15 million per year
The implementation of the FamELG will entail annual costs of around CHF 15 million, as stated in the voting documents. At the same time, the municipalities are expected to save CHF 4.4 million in social welfare costs.
The government and parliament had spoken out in favor of the amendment. The FamELG fleshes out an article in the cantonal constitution that has been in force for 20 years. It provides for the canton to pay supplementary benefits to families with young children if their financial circumstances so require.
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