Minas Gerais creates State Fund for the Rights of the Elderly

Minas Agency - The governor of Minas Gerais, Antonio Anastasia (PSDB), enacted this Wednesday (15) the law that creates the State Fund for the Rights of the Elderly, a measure that represents a historic milestone in the management of public policies, projects and actions aimed at the elderly population. The creation of the Fund is another important initiative of the Government of Minas Gerais to benefit citizens over 60 years of age. Earlier this month, Governor Antonio Anastasia had already sanctioned the law that guarantees free intercity transport for elderly people or people with disabilities.

The State Fund for the Rights of the Elderly was created from a project presented by the Government of Minas Gerais to the Legislative Assembly. The enactment of State Law 21.144 was published in Wednesday's edition of "Minas Gerais" – the official gazette of the State Powers. The Fund seeks to ensure the collection of resources to finance public policies supporting the population over 60 years of age.

The Fund's investments will be applied to programs linked to the lines of action of the Policy for Serving the Elderly and to guaranteeing the rights foreseen in the Statute of the Elderly.

Resources for the State Fund for the Rights of the Elderly will come from allocations in the state budget, transfers and allocations from the Federal Government, as well as donations and contributions from individuals and legal entities. Specific sanctions and fines provided for in Federal Law 10.741, which establishes the Statute of the Elderly, will also be added to the fund.

State government agencies and entities, as well as municipalities in Minas Gerais, may receive funds from the Fund for application in programs that address actions aimed at the elderly. According to the new legislation, donations from individuals and legal entities may be deducted from Income Tax.

"The creation of the State Fund for the Rights of the Elderly represents the commitment of the Government of Minas Gerais to the quality of life of the elderly population. It is a historic milestone for state public administration, from the moment Minas Gerais begins to ensure the raising of resources capable of maintaining and strengthening support actions for citizens over 60 years of age. This initiative unequivocally symbolizes all our respect and appreciation for the elderly population," highlighted Governor Antonio Anastasia.

The management of the State Fund for the Rights of the Elderly will now be carried out by the State Secretariat of Labor and Social Development, in partnership with the State Council for the Elderly (CEI). The State Secretariats of Planning and Management (Seplag) and Finance (SEF) are also part of the coordinating group of the new Fund.

Free transport

The creation of the new State Fund adds to a set of measures already adopted by the Government of Minas Gerais. Another noteworthy action was the announcement, made by Governor Antonio Anastasia on January 4th, of free access to intercity passenger transport for people over 60 years of age or with disabilities. The benefit will take effect from March 1st of this year. "We are working to improve the living conditions of the people of Minas Gerais, adopting measures that have a direct impact on the lives of citizens. The implementation of free passenger transport for senior citizens is another important step in this direction," stated Antonio Anastasia.

The law establishes the mandatory provision of two seats per trip on buses offering intercity transportation in Minas Gerais. Those interested must submit their request for free transportation at least 12 hours before the trip. According to the regulation, the beneficiary must prove that their individual income is less than two minimum wages. In the case of a person with a disability, the transportation user must present a medical-expert report.

Pioneering spirit in Minas Gerais

In addition to these important actions, Minas Gerais created, in November 2013, the Ombudsman for the Elderly – a pioneering initiative in the entire country. The objective of this channel is to stimulate participatory management actions in entities that serve people over 60 years of age and to raise awareness among the population of Minas Gerais about the duty of social participation. Reports of crimes against elderly people can also be made free of charge through the Human Rights Hotline of the State Secretariat of Labor and Social Development, by calling 0800-031-1119.

Currently, Minas Gerais is the second Brazilian state with the highest number of people over 60 years old, second only to São Paulo. In total, there are approximately 2,6 million elderly people in Minas Gerais, according to data from the National Household Sample Survey (PNAD) of the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), which represents approximately 12% of the state's population.