TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Cabinet on Thursday approved draft amendments for its special economic resilience act, boosting the budget to NT$590 billion (US$19.6 billion).
The original act allocated NT$545 billion, including NT$235 billion for cash handouts, NT$150 billion for homeland security resilience, NT$93 billion for economic support due to US tariffs, and NT$67 billion for social support, per CNA. A previous plan to allocate NT$100 billion to Taipower was excluded from the amendment.
The additional NT$45 billion in funding expands the scope to strengthen the power grid, support industries, and assist vulnerable groups. Of that figure, NT$20 billion is reserved for industry support, NT$20 billion for grid resilience, NT$4 billion for vulnerable groups, and roughly NT$1 billion for cash distribution.
The cash handout plan includes a universal payment of NT$10,000 and will begin within one month of the budget announcement, per CNA. It is to be completed within seven months, accounting for administrative preparation and collection time, per UDN.
Cabinet Spokesperson Lee Hui-chih (李慧芝) mentioned that Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) said the amendments were made because Taiwan-US tariff negotiations have yet to conclude. He urged ministries to step up communication and complete the amendment process swiftly.
Regarding the NT$20 billion for grid resilience, Taipower President Wang Yao-ting (王耀庭) said funds will focus on transmission-level industrial parks nationwide. Officials added that support will expand for sectors facing higher tariffs than competitors, including interest subsidies and overseas exhibitions.
