São Paulo, 10/21/2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Funding for government social programs, especially those aimed at improving income distribution, will be available, promises minister of Planning, Budget and Management, Guido Mantega. "Of course, the funds for improving income distribution have been allocated. They total R$5.3 billion and are in next year's budget. I feel certain congress will approve those funds because they are essential for the country. Our target is to end hunger in Brazil within the next three years and improve living standards, especially with regard to healthcare and education, for an important part of the population. And if it is necessary, we will make budget cuts in other areas in order to do that. Social programs are the government's top priority," said Mantega. (AB)