NORTHEAST – The provincial budget was announced March 19 and affordability and stability was the highlight for newly elected MLA, Chris Beaudry of the Wadena/Kelvington constituency.
Beaudry said, “The stability that this budget offers and how it makes life more affordable for families in Saskatchewan and our constituency is evident. A family of four pays no income tax on their first $63,200.”
The doubling of the income threshold for the Active Families benefit from $60,000 to $120,000 was important to Beaudry. “We know kids who are active, it improves their leadership, teaches them more structure, helps them become more responsible, it benefits them, their entire life.”
Two other areas that Beaudry highlights are the first-time home buyers tax credit increased from $10,000 to 15,000. The additional tax credit for fertility treatments is important to Beaudry through his own personal experiences. "There is additional financial funding and tax credits for fertility treatments and appointments."
On education, Beaudry said the graduate retention program has increased to $24,000 for students who plan to stay in Saskatchewan. Beaudry wants students to be aware of these incentives to stay in Saskatchewan.
On healthcare in our area, “We have a new program at Suncrest College at the Yorkton campus, the Diagnostic Medical Sonography and the medical lab assistant program to help increase our health professionals in Saskatchewan. We need to bridge the gap and get the recruitment and numbers doubled because there is already a waiting list for these programs.”
“Reducing healthcare costs for seniors, the senior ambulance assistance program has reduced the cost of a ground ambulance for seniors from $275 to $135 per trip, which I know when you live in rural areas, can be a big cost,” Beaudry said.
This was Beaudry’s first budget and he said, “The treasury committee has worked daily and have worked really hard on this budget and provided one that delivers and one that makes life more affordable.”
