Brasília, July 3, 2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The reporter of the Special Commission on Social Security Reform, Deputy José Pimentel (PT/CE), said that it will be possible to discuss a proposal presented by the Brazilian Association of Magistrates (AMB) for judges' retirement. According to Pimentel, the idea is not incompatible with the amount that Brazilian society is willing to underwrite,which is a ceiling of R$ 2,400.00 per month.
The reporter explained that the AMB's proposal would uphold benefit payments equal to judges' salaries, but it would increase the retirement age to 65 for men and 60 for women. The proposal also increases the payment period to 35 and 30 years, respectively. "We can discuss these initiatives, so long as they don't jeopardize the spinal column of the Social Security reform proposal, which is the ceiling of R$ 2,400.00," Pimental concluded
The reporter confided that there will be a meeting today between Congressional leaders and representatives of the most important union centrals. At the meeting, the legislators will receive and discuss the proposals presented by the union centrals. Leaders of opposition parties will also be invited to attend the meeting.
The Special Commission's work schedule has also been set for the days to come. On July 7, the Commission will hold its first outside meetings, in the legislative assemblies of Rio Grande do Sul and Mato Grosso do Sul. On July 9, there will be a meeting with the union centrals. On July 10, a public hearing is scheduled with representatives of the magistrates, public defenders, and civil servants. And on July 14, two more outside hearings, in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
Deputy Pimentel reaffirmed that the period for introducing amendments ends tomorrow (4). The Special Commission has already received over 60 amendments, and, according to the reporter, this number may exceed 100. A meeting of leaders set for next week will define which amendments will be used. "There are many similar proposals. We shall agglomerate some and reject others," he added. (DAS)
