Brasília, 9/24/2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Yesterday the Senate approved the Senior Citizen Statute bill which consolidates existing legislation and adds new benefits for elderly persons.

Among those benefits are discounts of at least 50% for cultural and sports events. The bill also reduces the age at which a person can receive payment of a minimum wage under the Social Assistance Statute to 65. The bill ensures access to free medication under certain conditions, along with first-served privileges in court cases and government housing programs.

The bill was authored by senator Paulo Paim (PT-RS). (AB)