Serra foresees investments of US$ 23.3 bi until 2010
Folha de S. Paulo - 12/12/2007
Governor José Serra (PSDB) intends to invest R$ 41.5 billion (US$ 23.31 billion) from 2007 to 2010, a growth of 72% in relation to what was invested in the State of São Paulo in the four previous years. The funds will be used for health, education, transportation (Rodoanel, subway, trains), housing, sanitation, construction of penitentiaries, and equipment for the civil and military polices. The R$ 41.5 billion (US$ 23.31 billion) the government of São Paulo intends to invest is equivalent to 61% of the new investments set forth in the PAC (Growth Acceleration Program) until 2010, about R$ 67.8 billion (US$ 38.1 billion). While making a balance of almost one year of government, Mauro Ricardo Costa, Treasury Secretary, said that, from January to October, revenues increased 12.1%, to R$ 78.18 billion (US$ 43.9 billion), and the expenditures 4.5%, to R$ 60.98 billion (US$ 34.3 billion), in the comparison with the same period of last year. The alienation of the payroll alone generated R$ 2.08 billion (US$ 1.17 billion) of extra resources for the State. A program for the payment of tax debts in installments resulted in other R$ 6 billion (US$ 3.37 billion) for the state Treasury, from which R$ 1 billion (US$ 561.8 million) enter the accounting still this year (25% will be destined to the municipalities). The elimination of 4,439 positions of trust in the direct administration and in public autonomous entities generated other R$ 78 million (US$ 43.8 million) in economy for the State annually, which also spared R$ 600 million (US$ 337.1 million) in reassessments and renegotiations of contracts.