Loading...
Zurich Citizens News, 1975-05-15, Page 2PAGE 2 ZURICH CITIZENS NEWS THURSDAY, MAY 15, 1975 The Minister of Community and Social Services, Rene Brun- elle, announced in the Legislat- ure this week changes in the Family Benefits Allowance and General Welfare Assistance programs. These changes are designed to improve the situat- ion of those on Family Benefits and General Welfare Assistance. The changes will bring about an increase in allowances for those receiving benefits under these programs and will provide incen• tives for part-time employment and help in returning to the work force. These changes are in line with the Throne Speech of March 11, 1975, to protect those on a fixed income from inflation, and in addition, complements the GAINS incr- ease of May 1st. The Family Benefits Allow- ance is basically comprised of two components --shelter and ordinary needs. The new rate for shelter for a single person is $75., an increase of $5.; for a family consisting of two persons for fuel costs included in the rent -- $130. an increase of $10. and for fuel cost not included in the rent, $120. an increase of $10. Under the rates for the Ord- inary Needs a single person will receive $190., an increase of $20., a couple will receive $338., an increase of $42., a mother with one child will receive $431., an increase of $46., a mother with four child- ren will receive $477., an in- crease of $48. The increase will vary in particular cases in accordance with the age and number of children, housing costs and other factors such as provision for special diets, etc., Increased payments will also be made to dependants of GAINS cases. Increased benefits for recip- ients of the General Welfare Assistance administered by the municipalities are, for single persons $177., an increase of $14., couples $300., an inc- rease of $22., two adults and one child, $349., an increase of $24., two adults and two children $392., an increase of $26. A Back to School allowance is also featured to ensure that the needs of school age child- ren are better met. This all- owance consists of $25 per child up to 12 years of age and $50 per child 13 years and over. It is payable once a year and is designed to help families meet the added expenses at the beg- inning of a new school year. The Province will also now assume the responsibilityof meeting the costs of eyeglasses and hearing aids for FBA and GAINS -disabled cases. This responsibility was formerly at the discretion of the Municipal- ity. As of June, changes in the program will be introduced to help mothers, receiving FBA to work part-time. These are, to enable a FBA mother to retain more of her part-time earnings-. the earnings are averaged over three months --especially if they Jottings by Jack from Queens Pork take advantage of seasonal employment opportunities. Mothers on FBA will now have a work expenses exemption which will vary by family size, in addition to the existing $100 exemption which FBA families are currently allowed to earn per month before their benefit is reduced. New features to help and encourage mothers leaving assistance for fulitime employ- ment will also be introduced, They are an extension of limit- ed benefits over three months, continuation of drug, dental and OHIP coverage for the first few months of employment and changes to help re-entry to the Family Benefits program if this becomes necessary for a period of up to one year. Changes to current programs willlnean an increased benefit to the 50, 000 Ontario Residents On family benefits and 158, 000 Ontario Residents on General Welfare Assistance. These benefits will total $36. 5 million for the fiscal year 1975-76. Opposition members tried to persuade the Government to con- sider action to ensure that the auto Insurance industry would have to justify to a Provincial Government Comm! ssion, plan- ned increases in rates, such as the155o proposed for this summer, following the 105/0 increase al- ready put into effect earlier this year. Liberal Leader Robert Nix- on said the Government has legislation on the books which would give it the power to roll back rates, but it has never been used. He said this power is part of the Insurance Act, passed about 30 years ago and "initial- ly put in as a threat to make insurance companies knuckle under," Mr. Nixon also suggest- ed public hearings to be held into the requests for increased rates, and called for compulsory auto insurance for all drivers. Subsequent to the recent announcements made in the budget legislation has been passed implementing a number of measures proposed by the Treasurer. Some of these incl- ude -- Bill 28 - An Act to Provide for the Payment of Grants to First Tirne Horne Buyers. This Act provides for the making to garnts to persons who purchase or build for the first time a home. This program will remain in effect until Decemb- er 31st, 1975, The Treasurer in his budget speech said that this . grant will cover new and used homes and apply regardless of the price of the home or the income of the purchaser. Bill 29 - An Act to authorize the Raising of Money on the Credit of the Consolidated Rev- enue Fund. This legislation authorizes the Lieutenant Gov- ernor in Council to raise, from time to time, by way of loan, in any manner provided by the Financial Administration Act. such sums of money as are cons- idered necessary, " not exceed- ing $1, 400, 000, 000. Bill 37 - An Act to amend (continued on page 5) CLINTON 482-3405 HENSALL 262-2418 SEAFORTH 527-0910 EXTRA SPECIAL BUY GLIDDEN RED D STAIN • 4; Good protection for wood surfaces such as siding, fencing and trim to name a few. Easy to apply and good drying time. Available in Redwood or Walnut. Only per gallon LATEX PAINT for inside/outside This exceptional buy is just what you need when you have to paint every year or two. It's ideal for cottages, fences, garages, etc.... Available only in White. Extra special price, Only $489 per gallon NAHA LE ONLY WHJLE I s i?r 4tY 1, OAN`ITI ES LAST rc� r;. AINT USRES GOLD LINE Our Gold Line is made of pure bristles and it's an ideal brush for oil base paints. It comes in 5 widths. Economy Prices. 2" *19° 3" '29° Our Green Line is also made of pure bristles. Medium price range and is available in 6 widths. Comfortable grip. 2" $280 To $450 PAINT ROLLER KIT trrvenieertj piece sat Contains: 1 Deepwell Paint Tray; 1 Roller Frame with threaded handle; 2 9 %2" Hi -Pile Acrynel Roller Covers; 1-3" Trimmit Roller. 41 onl4y 99 complete set