Gov't to inject 716 billion won in supporting underprivileged

SEOUL, Nov. 20 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean government plans to provide 716
billion won (US$482 million) to assist lower-income families pay for heating and
other necessities this winter, officials said Thursday.
The decision was made ahead of parliamentary approval of the 2009 revised budget
of 283.8 trillion won, as the nation's underprivileged face growing economic woes
amid the global financial crisis and high commodity prices.
"Unused portions from this year's budget will be used to stabilize the livelihood
of the underprivileged, which will include heating and energy subsidies,
scholarships for elementary school students, job finding programs and
unemployment benefits," Hwang Young-chul of the ruling Grand National Party told
reporters after attending a government-ruling party meeting Thursday.
hayney@yna.co.kr
(END)