03-12-2025, 01:34 PM
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Chancellor Werner Unveils New Childcare Policy Package Called "KINDER"
October 5692
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A kindergarten in Nordenhaus, Dunlake.
Dunburg - Federal Chancellor Matthias Werner unveiled the long-awaited policy package that the Government intends to adopt in relation to childcare and family welfare. The reform, one of this Government's key priorities, was first drafted this summer by Yolanda Greber, the DSDP parliamentary group leader, who then worked with Minister Renate Reinhart until last week, when the final bill was officially submitted for Bundestag's consideration.
Today, the Chancellor and Minister Reinhart officially presented this reform to the press. Among the key provisions there is a expansion of the child benefit, which will now follow a progressive system to determine the sum each family will receive. Based on the income bracket, families will receive a benefit ranging from a low of 150 Marks (for richer families) up to 400 Marks (for poorer families). The benefit increases by 75 Marks per any new child, capped to a maximum of five children. This benefit is automatic for any familes with children 0 to 16, and can be extended to the 21st birthday upon request of the family.
The second pillar of the reform is the extension of the parental leave, making it a mandatory for both parents, increasing the leave to 36 weeks up from 32 for mothers and increasing it to 36 weeks from one week for fathers. The Federal Ministry of Industry will guarantee a fund for small businesses under 20 employees so that they have the resources to provide this same right.
The reform, in third instance, will mandate States to provide free or reduced childcare for children under three, with a Federal contribution to build more structures in those municipalities where the waiting lists are exceeding six months. The State governments will have the discretion whether to make this plan free or only price-reduced, and will have discretion over the hiring of the necessary staff.
"This policy package aims to support families with no distictions: parents, single parents, legal guardians will all be eligible for the benefits that will be enacted.", assured Chancellor Werner. Minister Reinhart added: "This government decided to use part of its surplus, alongside an increased 1% taxation of large fortunes to empower the lower classes, empower the children, empower the women and enshrining gender equality when it comes to parental leave. Our childcare under-3 measure, we believe, will make it easier for parents with newborn children to re-enter the workforce immediately, if they so wish".
The bill, named with the acronym "KINDER Gesetz" (Kinderbetreuung, Inklusion, Nachwuchsentwicklung, Elternzeit und mehr Ressources Gesetz), will begin the process to become law next week, and the Government expects the final passage to happen later this month.
Today, the Chancellor and Minister Reinhart officially presented this reform to the press. Among the key provisions there is a expansion of the child benefit, which will now follow a progressive system to determine the sum each family will receive. Based on the income bracket, families will receive a benefit ranging from a low of 150 Marks (for richer families) up to 400 Marks (for poorer families). The benefit increases by 75 Marks per any new child, capped to a maximum of five children. This benefit is automatic for any familes with children 0 to 16, and can be extended to the 21st birthday upon request of the family.
The second pillar of the reform is the extension of the parental leave, making it a mandatory for both parents, increasing the leave to 36 weeks up from 32 for mothers and increasing it to 36 weeks from one week for fathers. The Federal Ministry of Industry will guarantee a fund for small businesses under 20 employees so that they have the resources to provide this same right.
The reform, in third instance, will mandate States to provide free or reduced childcare for children under three, with a Federal contribution to build more structures in those municipalities where the waiting lists are exceeding six months. The State governments will have the discretion whether to make this plan free or only price-reduced, and will have discretion over the hiring of the necessary staff.
"This policy package aims to support families with no distictions: parents, single parents, legal guardians will all be eligible for the benefits that will be enacted.", assured Chancellor Werner. Minister Reinhart added: "This government decided to use part of its surplus, alongside an increased 1% taxation of large fortunes to empower the lower classes, empower the children, empower the women and enshrining gender equality when it comes to parental leave. Our childcare under-3 measure, we believe, will make it easier for parents with newborn children to re-enter the workforce immediately, if they so wish".
The bill, named with the acronym "KINDER Gesetz" (Kinderbetreuung, Inklusion, Nachwuchsentwicklung, Elternzeit und mehr Ressources Gesetz), will begin the process to become law next week, and the Government expects the final passage to happen later this month.