Full-Time Work, Financial Equalization, "Reform Partnership": This is What Mattle Says
Tyrol's Governor Anton Mattle (ÖVP) has called on the ÖVP/SPÖ/NEOS federal government to implement measures in the part-time work debate in the sense of incentives for increased performance. It is important to "find incentives" so that the "willingness to perform increases," Mattle said in an APA interview. At the very least, one should discuss a full-time bonus or the expansion of tax-free overtime allowances. The financial equalization expiring in 2028 should be negotiated in a timely manner.
Exploration of "Incentive" Measures
The federal government should in any case explore possible "incentive" measures, according to Mattle. Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer (SPÖ) should also "focus and see where there are possibilities." He is, of course, aware that a full-time bonus "costs money" and could be reflected in "higher unit labor costs in the industry," but it should still be considered and debated. The fact that currently 18 overtime hours per month are tax-free up to a certain maximum amount "could be expanded," the governor further recommended to the federal government. Mattle did not want to repeat his demand from the time before the National Council election to completely exempt overtime from taxes. This was not immediately financially feasible or counter-financeable due to the budgetary situation and is not at the moment either, but: "The wish remains."
Also, "tweaking the tax screws" or even a large-scale tax reform with significant reliefs is not currently on the horizon, according to the state leader as a "realist." This is probably "not possible at the moment," but as soon as the economy recovers and we have emerged from the recession, "many things will become possible."
He is concerned with initiating a "societal discussion" that full-time work should again be the "standard." At the same time, of course, "those who have caregiving responsibilities" should be exempted, Mattle emphasized the importance of a differentiated debate. Tyrol is doing everything possible in its area to move more towards full-time work, Mattle recalled the targeted legal entitlement to the placement of a childcare place from the second birthday.
Financial Equalization and "Reform Partnership"
Apart from the stability pact to be finalized by autumn, Mattle urged keeping a close eye on the financial equalization expiring in three years and starting negotiations on it in a timely manner: "It has to take place and it is necessary to negotiate the financial equalization and its corresponding structures well in advance and early enough. Because if it is again only half a year before the necessary conclusion, then the time is too short." Perhaps one should also consider whether further 15a agreements are needed or whether it would be better to "enshrine everything in laws" in the future. Everything should be discussed in a timely manner. Mattle, like the other federal states, is calling for more money through a new key in the financial equalization from 2029. Such a financial equalization clarifies the allocation of tax revenues.
Regarding the "reform partnership" announced by the federal and state governments, Mattle is optimistic about being able to present a major breakthrough by the end of next year: "Completing something like this in 18 months is an extremely ambitious goal. But it is achievable." The governor did not want to outline the major breakthrough according to his specific ideas, citing ongoing negotiations. Recently, Mattle had drawn attention with his criticism of the cash reform set up by the turquoise-blue coalition and demanded more power in federal hands there.
Meanwhile, Tyrol's state leader renewed his demand for the "financing of educational or school assistants" by the federal government to relieve the municipalities currently paying for them: "And it would primarily be a unification in the sense of an initial, quick structural cleanup."
(APA/Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.