Hualien Speaker Refutes Lawmaker's Welfare Claims, Calls Budget a Right, Not a Political Tool

Hualien County Speaker Chang Chun has directly challenged legislator Fu Kun-chi's assertions regarding budget allocations for local welfare initiatives. At a recent Kuomintang rally supporting county chief candidate You Shu-chen, Fu claimed he had revised the fiscal allocation law to bring funds back to Hualien for welfare programs, benefiting You and incumbent county chief Hsu Chen-wei.

Chang, an independent candidate for county chief, retorted that welfare is a fundamental right for citizens, not a political favor bestowed by politicians. He also stated that the budget, funded by taxpayers, should not be used as leverage to designate a successor. Chang highlighted Hualien's substantial annual budget of NT$40.1 billion, plus NT$40 billion from the Hualien-Taitung Fund over 10 years, questioning why the county's development lags behind Taitung despite these resources.

Chang positioned himself as a challenger to what he termed a "dark force" controlling Hualien for 17 years, vowing to return the county to its residents. He outlined his platform, which includes a NT$10,000 cash handout, free health insurance for those aged 0-18, a monthly NT$2,000 allowance for seniors via the "Respect and Love Card" with no expiry, and free school lunches. He promised to reveal further policies on agriculture, education, rural healthcare, transportation, and youth development, aiming to ensure public funds are used effectively.

Fu Kun-chi had previously detailed specific welfare promises, including free health insurance for all Hualien seniors, a NT$50,000 subsidy for dentures, a NT$1,500 monthly taxi subsidy, and free school lunches for all students from elementary to high school starting this fall. He presented these as benefits secured through his efforts in revising the budget, urging support for You Shu-chen to continue these initiatives.