The Senate Education Commission advanced Tuesday on the nursery room bill, approving the solidarity fund financing mechanism and the possibility of copayments.
The commission, chaired by Senator Gustavo Sanhueza (UDI), approved by three votes in favor, one against and one abstention the financing of the fund through a 0.35% contribution charged to the employer. This will be offset by reductions in unemployment insurance contributions.
Senator Rojo Edwards (Ind.) welcomed the formula, stating that “the government gave a good solution to this problem, it is being done without affecting the labor market that today is tremendously weak”. In contrast, Senator Yasna Provoste (DC) voted against and reserved constitutionality, arguing that one social right is being substituted for another.
It was also approved that nursery rooms require official recognition from MINEDUC or operating authorization to access the fund, as well as the possibility to request copayments. Voting will continue Wednesday morning with pending articles of the Labor Code.
