Tarija Governorate to Save Over $1.9 Million Annually After Law Change

The Governorate of Tarija in Bolivia is poised to save more than 13 million bolivianos (approximately $1.9 million USD) each year following the Senate's approval of the Law for the Adjustment of Public Obligations. This new legislation relieves the regional government of financial responsibilities that were previously transferred from the central government.

Historically, the Tarija Governorate had to allocate significant funds to cover expenses such as the vaccination bonus for health workers, amounting to 8,270,015.53 bolivianos. Additionally, daily allowances for incarcerated individuals cost 4,729,903.09 bolivianos, and the issuance of high school diplomas required 482,700 bolivianos. These obligations, previously borne by the regional government, will now be handled differently, freeing up substantial resources.

Governor María René Soruco praised the Senate's approval, emphasizing that the law provides much-needed relief to the subnational entity. "We have sent to the Parliamentary Brigade and the President of the Senate, Diego Ávila, the proposal to stop paying these competencies for the Vaccination Bonus, daily allowances, high school diplomas, among others," Soruco stated. She added that the approval will prevent the "abusive automatic debits" that have long burdened the governorate.

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We have sent to the Parliamentary Brigade and the President of the Senate, Diego Ávila, the proposal to stop paying these competencies for the Vaccination Bonus, daily allowances, high school diplomas, among others.

Senator Rolando Vacaflor confirmed the law's passage with a two-thirds majority in the Senate. He stressed that the saved funds should be reinvested into public works and services for the benefit of the entire population. "We are working in the Senate to give hope to our people who have trusted us with their vote," Vacaflor remarked.

Governor Soruco also commended the efforts of Tarija's legislators in advocating for regional autonomy, asserting that a strong nation is built from empowered departments and municipalities. She believes development should be fostered from the "bottom up." A significant portion of these previously assumed central government competencies, about 31%, were funded by the Direct Hydrocarbon Tax (IDH).

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We are working in the Senate to give hope to our people who have trusted us with their vote.