Rxmom: I dun quite understand why u would lose out on the Parenthood Tax relief. The Enhanced Tax reliefs are for bbs born on or after 1 Jan 2008, not 2009. Only the Baby Bonus, CDA, ML will benefit those born on or after 1 Jan 2009. Please refer to pamphlet.
http://www.mom.gov.sg/publish/etc/medialib/mom_library/corporate/files.Par.94764.File.tmp/Pamphlet-Enhanced%20Marriage%20&%20Parenthood%20Package.pdf
I'm very skeptical it'll be reversed cos the economy has unexpectedly taken a nose-dive...Maybe...just maybe...it was meant to be effective 1 Aug 2008, like back in 2004 when PM took over the helm from the then PM Goh.
But becos of the poor econ forecast by MTI recently, they did their sums, probably checked with the hospitals on the no. of preggers-in-waiting from Sep-Dec08, they concluded the existing budget of $700m can only cover those few thousand FTWMs giving birth in 1 Jan 09-31 Mar 09?? LOL. My Conspiracy Theory
Didn't u notice that due to rising construction costs, they had to shelve a lot of major building plans? Even the 2010 Youth Olympics village has been shifted to the NTU campus in order for MCYS to keep within the MOF-approved budget of US$75m that has been set aside for the Games.
I just dun know how they can tweak their package to appease specific groups of parents. If they backdate to Sep 08, the Aug mommies will cry foul. If they backdate to Aug, Jul ones will make noise...The further they backdate, the more no. of 3rd & 4th month ML 'bills' they're gonna foot for the employers!
They already need to pay the whole nation 50% more for Growth Dividends come 1 Oct 2008...amid the econ slowdown...This Nanny State's citizens will never be happy...haizzzz...
Ava: I just notice they do actually encourage those married couples to take action right away. The 50% co-payment for ART is with effect from 1 Sep 08, not 1 Jan 09!
littlebluey: PM Lee's "Meet the Session" @ Teck Ghee used to be on Thurs, if I rem correctly.