Political Gatherings - SPD proposes Christmas bonus or 13th pension for the elderly.
The Social Democratic Party (SPD) in Thuringia has put forth several ideas to lift the meager pension rates in the region. They suggest boosting the tax-free income threshold for pensioners, providing a yearly 500-euro bonus to senior citizens who get the base pension, and creating a thirteenth pension payment. The Seeheimer, an SPD faction, advocates incrementing the tax-free income for pensioners up to 2,500 euros per month. As per Katja Boehler, spokesperson for Seeheimer Thuringia, many women aged 60 and beyond receive incomes below the basic income level for their living costs. The SPD sect is also championing better job avenues, new healthcare plans, and innovative elderly care.
The state leader of the SPD and Interior Minister, Georg Maier, suggested a "Christmas money" idea for senior citizens. This includes a one-time 500 euros yearly payment to Thuringia's pensioners receiving the fundamental pension. The Social Democrats anticipate requiring approximately 27 million euros annually from the state funds. The funds should be disbursed throughout the following election cycle until the federal government substantially upgrades the basic pension. The SPD has been in charge of Thuringia for a while and aim to continue being the ruling party in the September 1st state vote.
"Thuringia is still a low-pension state," states a policy document from the Seeheimer. They remain adamant about their demand for another pension payment yearly. Inspired by the 13th month salary, senior citizens should also receive a supplementary monthly payment, as per Boehler, who is the Economic State Secretary in the state government.
The Seeheimer Circle, part of the SPD representing a relatively conservative alliance of primarily Bundestag members, has been around for several years. Since January, there's one in Thuringia too.
In reference to income opportunities for retirees, they can presently make up to 538 euros tax and duty-free. Hence, they support a 2,500 euros tax-free allowance. "If a significant number of elders utilize this advantage, it might relieve the skilled labor shortage at least partly," Boehler pointed out.
Additionally, the Seeheimer Circle asks for an increase in medical school placements in Thuringia, from 260 to 556. They also propose the arrival of healthcare markets. For example, in Treffurt (Wartburg district), a healthcare market has opened, partially substituting the local pharmacy's services.
The group also suggested a mobile senior academy, organized through districts and adult education centres. It could aid elderly people in not depending on others in the digitalization era, such as internet banking or shopping.
The Seeheim Thuringia sees itself, according to its announcements, as an inner current within the Thuringian SPD endorsing "a pragmatic and resolution-oriented politics and more dialogue with the people."
