The Democratic Party announced on Tuesday to raise suggestions for the government to boost the local economy, including issuing HK$15,000 per Hongkonger and a grant to Covid patients.
Lo Kin-hei, the party's chairperson, said in a press conference today that the party has handed in a financial budget proposal to the government, responding to the to-be-issued 2023/2024 Budget, providing suggestions on stimulating local consumption and improving public living.
"It is better for the government to put the financial expenditure to more valuable uses rather than developing major projects such as artificial islands despite the reduction in fiscal reserves," Lo said.
He added that the government should issue a subsidy of HK$15,000 to every citizen, whether in cash or consumption voucher, to pay the domestic bills for water and electricity.
Besides, a grant to support patients with "long
covid" symptoms was also necessary to be provided, Lo added. However, he noted the amount of the subsidy could be decided by the government.
"We have submitted the proposal to the Financial Secretary for the Budget, which is scheduled to be issued on February 22," he said.