Budget 2008

[strat]

I think the speech almost over...so starting a thread to discuss it.

[Decade]

so any good news so far?

[edwinsng]

Key thrusts of Budget 2008

* To provide a full range of education and training opportunities for all
S'pore will enhance assistance for needy students to ensure that a top-rate tertiary education is affordable to all

* To spur the growth of innovative enterprises
S'pore will significantly enhance the incentives for enterprises big and small to create new ideas and products.

* Adjust tax policies so Singapore stays competitive, supporting the growth of local SMEs, encouraging risk-taking as well as strengthening S'pore's role as a financial and business hub.

* To continue to build a resilient community
S'pore will strengthen financial security for retirement, and help the less well-off members in our society. Surpluses will be shared with Singaporeans, with particular focus on the lower and middle-income groups who are more affected by rising prices.

* Estate duty to be removed from tax regime effective today

* Income tax rebate of 20% for all resident taxpayers for FY 2008, capped at S$2,000

[Decade]

ahhhh "ang baos" given

[edwinsng]

Detail of the speech can be found in the following link:

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/sgbudget08/speech.htm

[strat]

was looking through the surplus breakdown, COEs and ERP collection not included inside?

[olo]

As usual,

Carrots danggling for those opt-in to CPF life.

Its a form of discrimination for those who opt-out.
Sillyporeans, as usual, will LPPL.

If opt-in participation is low, gahment losses $$$. If its high, more $$$. hehe

[sigh]

Estate duty to be scrapped, when our dear leader turns 85 and his friends departing one by one. So now no need to pay tax lor.

[olo]

Estate duty to be scrapped, when our dear leader turns 85 and his friends departing one by one. So now no need to pay tax lor.

Now you all are beginning to see the pattern.

When LHL son go serve NS, also cut down to 2 years because of "3G" Army.

[orwell76]

Ten thousand years, and ten thousands years more

[sigh]

Still need more info, but it seems like goodies for everyone. Not exactly election year budget.

[AKA Lance]

doesn't really come across as any real goodies to me!

[sbkoh]

Singapore budget disappoints as income taxes are held steady

[weimeng]

someone said, income tax held steady meant no GST increase is imminent. the 20% tax rebate seems a more cautious approach.

[orwell76]

Singapore budget disappoints as income taxes are held steady

How come Straight Times says Budget 2008 good?

Gulf news says Budget 2008 disappoints?

So who is correct???