& you're the one for me ;

Friday, November 17, 2006

Decided that any comments on the whole year of Project Work wasn't necessary.

After all, it's already over, so why bother to think about it again?

The next few days will be real busy. There'll be ex-2e5 chalet from tomorrow till monday. Wonder how much my secondary school friends have changed three years down the road. Then on monday, my current class, 36/06, will be having a gathering at joycelin's house (to be more precise, condo).

It may be high time to stop bearing this stereotype about residential elitism.
But with Singapore becoming more and more globalised, it's inevitable that some people will be left behind, particularly those in the lower income category (ie. bottom 20th percentile of income groups).

And with the Goods and Services Tax (GST) set to be increased to 7% from the current 5%within one year, it's like a double whammy to the lower income population.
Therefore, it's to no wonder that various MPs questioned the effectiveness of the so-called impact cushioning package during recent Parliament sessions.

This new package must be able to benefit those involved in the LONG RUN.
Rewind to the period earlier this year when the Government decided to give all eligible Singaporeans a "windfall".
The Progress Package. It was a one-time cash payout, with the level of income you earn determining the amount you get.
In this way, the lower-income population has benefited more than their higher-income counterparts.
The problem is, the standard of living has become so high here that a few hundred dollars probably won't make you survive even for six months.

So, what can possibly be included in the package to benefit the lower-income group in the long run?
Having more rebates (can be from many areas, such as sanitary rebates for housing).
Allowing for key payments, like school fees, to be deferred to a larger extent.

Can't think of other effective solutions for the moment.
But in short, I hope the Government will fulfil its promise of not leaving the lower-income group behind in the nation's path towards globalisation.
Which is why the details of this latest package will not only be eagerly anticipated, they will also be heavily scrutinised big-time by all in terms of usefulness and relevance.

those memories. 18:06