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Taichung budget deficit questioned amid new revenue law; TPASS funding missing

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Taichung's proposed budget for the upcoming year faces a NT$7.3 billion deficit despite anticipating an increase of nearly NT$30 billion under a new fiscal revenue allocation law.
  • Critics question why essential central government subsidy projects, like the TPASS commuter pass, were not included in the budget, suggesting the funds are being used for political gain before the mayor's term ends.
  • The city's finance department stated that some central subsidy projects are pending approval and will be submitted to the council via provisional appropriations, noting the deficit has been reduced significantly compared to the current year.

Taichung's upcoming fiscal year budget has sparked controversy, with critics questioning its NT$7.3 billion deficit despite the city expecting to gain nearly NT$30 billion annually under a new fiscal revenue allocation law. The opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) caucus in the Taichung City Council has accused Mayor Lu Shiow-yen's administration of mismanaging these new funds.

DPP caucus whip Chou Yung-hung criticized the administration for not including crucial central government-subsidized projects, such as the TPASS commuter monthly pass, in the budget. He alleged that the mayor, nearing the end of her term, is treating the new revenue source as a "political achievement ATM" to fund popular policies and boost her image, leaving financial burdens for the next administration.

"Where has the money gone?" Chou questioned, pointing out that projects like the TPASS, wastewater infrastructure, and the Dongshi-Fengyuan express road, which rely on central government subsidies, were omitted from the main budget. He argued that the city should prioritize these essential services rather than using the new funds for "flashy policies" just before leaving office.

The city's Department of Budget, Accounting and Statistics responded that several central subsidy projects, including the Blue Line MRT project (NT$11.7 billion), wastewater infrastructure (NT$664 million), and the TPASS commuter pass (NT$261 million), are currently under active application for central government support. They added that the projected deficit for the upcoming year has been reduced by nearly half compared to the current year's NT$14.3 billion shortfall. Pending approvals will be submitted to the council through provisional appropriations.

Where has the money gone?

— Chou Yung-hongDPP caucus whip in the Taichung City Council, questioning the city's budget deficit.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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