Lawmakers debate legislative proposals. - The Volunteering Act promises reduced red tape and increased funding
Nearly 750,000 residents of Thuringia engage in voluntary work during their spare time, participating in clubs, associations, and initiatives, according to the Social Ministry. Recognizing, supporting, and making it easier for them to continue their contributions is the goal of a new law that was just passed in the parliament in Erfurt. Proposed by the opposition CDU faction, it was approved by the red-red-green minority coalition, though with some reservations, while the FDP and the AfD abstained.
CDU: A Major Advancement for Voluntary Work
In the new law, a state program with a budget of 15 million euros has been established to help and support voluntary workers and organizations. This includes more training opportunities, cost reductions for GEMA fees at events after 2024, and taking over compensation payments for health damage suffered by volunteers. The efforts involved in the application process for funding should also be minimized. CDU MP Beate Meißner described it as the first voluntary work law in Germany, representing a significant milestone.
The members of the Left, SPD, and Greens initially raised concerns about the draft bill, which was put forward by the CDU in January, over its quick process. The final version, after some modifications, eliminated the proposed citizen ombudsman for voluntary work, and instead focused on ensuring sufficient funding for the existing Thuringian Voluntary Work Foundation and the Volunteer Agencies.
Valid Concerns and Celebration
The Left MP Karola Stange had expressed worry that the 15 million euros from the state program would only be available through cutting back on other social projects or funding for associations from 2025 onwards. Social Minister Heike Werner (Left) announced she would integrate the new funding with existing resources for voluntary work. She pointed out that the existence of the law was mostly the result of the efforts made by volunteers themselves.
FDP MP Robert-Martin Montag called it an "uncovered check for taxpayers," and gave technical objections to the law. The AfD MP Corinna Herold saw the approval by the red-red-green coalition as a "bonus for the CDU," since the minority government allowed the passage of several laws and the state budgets during their time in power.
The parliament had previously identified the protection and promotion of voluntary work as a state objective in the Thuringian Constitution a few weeks before.
