Russian Parliament Approves Controversial Social Benefits Law

[Judi Lynn]

(Title is really misleading)

Russian Parliament Approves Controversial Social Benefits Law
Bill Gasperini
Moscow
08 Aug 2004, 12:59 UTC



AP
Interior troops arrest Communist radical, who protests legislation to turn social benefits into cash payments
The upper house of Russia's parliament has approved a controversial new law that would effectively end a range of Soviet-era benefits for the elderly, disabled and World War II veterans. The legislation has provoked street protests, and triggered a fall in President Vladimir Putin's popularity rating.

Russia's Federation Council passed the law almost unanimously Sunday, but it is a move that critics say will cause more hardship to millions of Russian already living in poverty.

The law is to replace tangible benefits, such as free public transportation and subsidized electricity, with monthly cash payments of between $25 and $120. Those most affected will be the disabled, elderly pensioners and war veterans.

The vote was expected, despite the fact that most members of the Federation Council are also regional governors who oppose the law, because it is they who must now make the cash payments for transport, health and other benefits that date to Soviet times.
(snip/...)

http://www.voanews.com/article.cfm?objectID=6BE8A535-C7E1-4DDE-95C2ECF9B44651C0

[MikeG]

1. In related news - hell just froze over.

[Racenut20]

2. Was this a lesson from BushCo* on how to treat veterans

Those old WWII veterans that came from Siberia and defended Moscow? I dare say there would be no President Putin without them.

[Barret]

3. Holy shit

considering how socialist Russia is this is very surprisng. Not a good thing IMO. I hope to god the corporate whores don't end up owning Russia as they do the US.

[BayCityProgressive]

4. HAHAHAHAHAHHAHA

are you serious? Russia is already owned by the whores.

[Barret]

5. Not nearly to the extent

we are....