NSG Senate Coffee Shop: We don't serve decaf

[Argentarino]

---

Constitutional Protection Act
| Author: The Hon. Maria Haverkamp (Ainin, SDA) |
| Sponsors: |

An Act to prohibit violent and seditious activities amongst the officials of the government of Calaverde; and for connected purposes.

---

§1 - The Oath
(1) Text

a) The text of the oath is as follows:
I, (name), (office), pledge allegiance to the democratic and pluralistic values that define Calaverde, to the text and spirit of the Constitution and laws of Calaverde, and to the liberty and brotherhood of the peoples of the Republic of Calaverde. I pledge to defend the laws, people and flag of Calaverde against those that wish to do us harm. So help me God. (second sentence remains optional)
b) The text of the affirmation is as follows:
I, (name), (office), sincerely and truthfully affirm my unwavering support for the democratic and pluralistic values that define Calaverde, to the text and spirit of the Constitution and laws of Calaverde, and to the liberty and brotherhood of the peoples of the Republic of Calaverde. I furthermore affirm that I shall defend the laws, people and flag of Calaverde against those that wish to do us harm.

(2) Applicability

a) All persons under the service or employment of the Republic of Calaverde or devolved government authorities that do not currently swear an oath or state an affirmation established by the law shall be required to state one of the two aforementioned oaths.
b) No member of parliament shall be allowed to vote without truthfully stating one of the two aforementioned oaths.
c) Any person that engages in an egregious violation of the oath in the following manners is guilty of sedition and shall be liable to imprisonment up to five (5) years:
i. Participating in an unlawful seizure of power contrary to the Constitution and laws of Calaverde;
ii. Attempting, conspiring or intending to unlawfully deprive the people of Calaverde of their liberty and brotherhood;
iii. Inciting hatred, violence or insurrection in order to unlawfully deprive the people of Calaverde of their liberty and brotherhood;
iv. Inciting or participating in violent insurrection against the Constitution, laws and democratic regimen in Calaverde.

---

I'll sponsor.

Sponsor

[Post War America]

Aye on the Protection of Religious Freedom for Minors Act
Aye on the Parliamentary Resolution on Ukraine and Russian Aggression
Aye on the Electricity Infrastructure and Research Act
Nay on the Temporary Militia Regulation Act
Nay on the National Symbols Act

[The True North (Ancient)]

Preventative Care Act

Author: Jeffrey Lewis (The Truth North|FDP)
Sponsors: Sen. Thomas Barker (Luxdonia|NDP), Sen. Tarquin Biscuitbarrel (Adab|CRP), Sen. Thomás Dueñas Sanches (Kamchastkia|NDP),
An act to reduce medical costs and increase quality of life for patients

---

Definitions

Patient: a person who receive medical care.
General Physician: a certified doctor who lacks a specialty but is competent in a wide range of medical fields
Preventative care: medical care administered for the purpose of detecting illness or risk factors for future illness, promoting healthy life choices, and updating vaccinations if necessary. This is synonymous with the item from §3a-11 of the Universal Health Care Act.
Healthy lifestyle: Dietary, exercise, and hygenic habits that reduce the chance for disease.

§1 - Preventative Care Regulations

a. All citizens shall have access to preventative care, which consists of one, and only one, consult with a general physician per twelve months.
b. A preventative care consultation includes screening for potential health issues in the form of a physical exam by a general physician. A consult to address a suspected or known health issue is not included as a preventative care consultation.
c. Patients shall receive wages from their respective employer for the amount of time of work missed due to a preventative care consultation.
d. Employers shall be able to request verification of the preventative care consultation. If an employer terminates an employee who cannot prove that the consultation happened, then the termination shall be considered lawful.
e. General physicians are obligated to provide proof of a consultation to their patients.
f. A general physician who forges proof of a consultation for someone who is not a patients shall be guilty of fraud and subject to the penalties connected to it.

§2 - Preventative Care Promotion Subsidy

a. Patients who attend a preventative care consultation with a general physician shall be entitled to a $400 subsidy for the year of the visit.
b. Patients shall receive their subsidies in the form of a reimbursement from the National Health Insurance.

§3 - Healthy Lives Initiative

a. The Healthy Lives Initiative (HLI) shall be established in order to promote a healthy lifestyle to the populace of Calaverde.
b. The HLI shall be operated and funded by the Ministry of Health.
c. The HLI shall consist of medical experts who advise policy-makers in Parliament, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of the Environment, The Ministry of Urban Development, The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and any other Ministry that requests advice from the HLI.
d. The experts of the HLI shall advocate on behalf of the needs of public health in Calaverde. The HLI shall remain non-partisan and inform policy makers from an exclusively medical perspective.
e. The HLI shall also publish material in order to inform Calaverdeans of the characteristics and benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

As Jeffrey Lewis presents the PCA to the customers of the coffeehouse, he stands up to offer background on this bill:

The number one way we can reduce health care costs and make Calaverdeans healthier is by preventing poor health in the first place. Modifications to diet and exercise are much cheaper then a heart attack in terms of treatment cost; in addition, detecting things like hypertension is ridiculously easy. It's only logical that small problems are much easier and cheaper to fix then big problems; It's also logical to say that over time small problems become big problems. Thus, we should do every thing we can to help Calaverdeans find these small problems and get them treated. By eliminating disincentive to get preventative care, providing incentive, and promoting what it means to live a healthy life, I believe we can make a significant impact on the health and wellness of Calaverde.

I'd also like to reiterate my willingness to work with the left. I believe that matters of health shall know no boundaries in regards to politics and partisanship. To my knowledge, I am going to remain the opposition's spokesperson for matters of health. I hope to continue making progress on the health of Calaverde. Thank you.

[New Zepuha]

I'm noting a disturbing uptick in the number of proposed bills that target aspects of the CNP. Military uniforms are protected as part of freedom of expression. Plus, it's not people in obvious military uniforms that have been the main threat so far, it's been terrorists in civilian clothes. I oppose the DRA, as it infringes on basic human rights and unfairly targets members of certain political parties as the clear secondary, or even primary, goal.

Not to mention the fact that outlawing organizations has traditionally forced them underground, rather than really getting rid of them. Believe you me, fascists labeled as criminals merely for wearing certain clothes will have nothing to stop them from then acting in a criminal way, since they have already been pushed onto the wrong side of the law. I can't see such a development being beneficial for the security of the republic.

On the contrary, this will provide a way for legitimate organizations to register and prove they are not advocating for the downfall of the nation. Unregistered groups thus will be better scrutinized by the police and other agencies. The CNP is not targeted, and I believe it may be part of a victim complex.

[Democratic Peoples republic of Kelvinsi]

Looking for sponsors.

Social Benefits Equalization act
Author: Senator Carl Rhodes (Democratic Peoples Republic of Kelvinsi/ Civic Reform
Sponsors: Willem de Ruyter(CRP),
An act to provide protection to the people of Calaverde, and help the underprivileged

§ 1 - Family Assistance Equalization

a) §2.a of the Universal Family Assistance Act shall be amended to read, and all other previous amendments be rendered void:

Families under the poverty line(bottom 10 percent) shall be entitled to a payment of US $150 per month, per child

b) §3.a of the Universal Family Assistance Act shall be amended to read:

Sole-parent families, defined as families with one head of household who cares for one or more child(ren) more than 80% of the time, shall be entitled to an additional child benefit. This additional child benefit shall be worth US$150 per month, per child..

c) §3.b of the Universal Family Assistance Act shall be amended to read:
Families with a child with disability, certified by a medical doctor, shall be entitled to an additional child benefit. This additional child benefit shall be worth $50 per month, per child with disability.

§ 2 - Income Splitting Authorization
All families may split income among all family members over the age of 18
Family members must be within two generations
The average income per adult in the family becomes the new taxable amount
All legislation disallowing this section be rendered null and avoid

§ 3 - Social Safety Net Modification
a) §2.b.i, §2.b.ii, and §2.b.iii of the Social Safety Net Act shall face the following amendments, and all amendments prior to that be rendered null and void reading:
i.) Single person: US$75 per week
ii.) Cohabiting couple: US$80 per week each (US$160 total)
iii.) Cohabiting couple with child(ren): US$100 per week each (US$200 total)
b) §3.b. of the Social Safety Net Act shall be amended to read, and all amendments prior be made null and void:
The SPA shall pay US$70 per week
c) §4.b.i, §4.b.ii, §4.b.iii of the Social Safety Net Act shall face the following amendments, and all previous amendments be made null and void reading:
i.) Severe impairment (75%-100%): US$125 per week
ii.) Medium impairment (40%-75%): US$115 per week
iii.) Moderate impairment (less than 40%): US$95 per week
d) §5.c.i of the Social Safety Net Act shall be amended to read:
i.) Without child: $65 per week
With a child: $155 per week
§7.a i of Social Safety Net Act be modified to read
Gross income must be less than $70 per week, but more than $40 or whatever the gross earnings from ten hours of work at the minimum wage is - whichever is lower. . Each dollar earned above $80 will reduce the payment by 50 cents. Total annual income must not exceed $5,800

[Zurkerx]

Defense of the Republic Act
An act to prevent and respond to terrorist activities within the nation of Calaverde.

---

| Author: Pedro Ramirez III [CRP] | Sponsors: Esteban Ortega [LDP], Carl Rhodes [CRP], Cristobal Araullo [LDP], Cipriano Cortez [CRP] |

---

Section 0. Preamble

It is not a mystery as to why this act has been penned. Nor is it a mystery of the rampant sedition, terrorism, and criminal syndicates plague our great nation. It is the goal of this act to prevent the rise of paramilitary organizations and terrorists organizations by limiting their ability to gain weapons and other supplies. This act will also establish a national security agency to detect and avert potential attacks on civilians and infrastructure. It is the belief that prevention is better than reaction, and this bill intends to lay a framework that will allow us to ensure the security of the nation as a whole.

Definitions

paramilitary organization - organized similarly to a military force or private security firm

Section 1. Limits on Paramilitary Organizations

1. Organizations may not be uniformed in a manner similar to a military force, this means: BDUs, Camouflage, or any uniform so deemed by the Ministry of the Interior

1a. Furthermore paramilitary organizations may not possess any firearm larger than a handgun, unless for sporting
1a1. In the case of sporting shotguns and rifles are permitted, rifles may not exceed .22 caliber and shotguns may not exceed 20 gauge
1b. Uniforms considered acceptable are types that would mirror police forces or civilian attire

2. Organizations wishing to arm its members must first apply to the Ministry of the Interior for such a privilege

2a. The Minister of the Interior at the time of this bills assent to law will formulate an application for the granting of licenses to arm paramilitary groups
2b. It is mandated that the Centralised Police Authority [CPA] inspect all paramilitary groups equipment to ensure compliance with this act, such checks are to occur every six months following the assent of this act to law
2c. Paramilitary groups must register as either a sporting group or private security firm, not both

3. Paramilitary organizations must ensure that training in the handling and deployment of firearms

3a. Training should consist of at least 20 accumulative hours of classroom and hands on instruction breaking down as follows: 1hr proper storage and transport, 2hrs proper range safety techniques and usage around others, 6hrs range time including qualifications required by the organization and proper handling of the firearm, 6hrs proper deployment methods, 5hrs on self-defense and 'friend or foe' exercises
3b. The above curriculum is meant to be a guide and may be revised by organizations with approval from the Ministry of the Interior

4. The Minister of the Interior is empowered with the ability to order the disbandment of an organization deemed to be a non-compliant with this act

4a. To deem an organization the Minister of the Interior must first determine what section of this act the organization has violated and notify the organizations administration of such violation
4b. Upon receiving a Notification of Non-Compliance the organization has 20 days to rectify the violation or disband
4b1. If the organization has not complied by the deadline, the Minister of the Interior may choose to extend the deadline by 10 days and award a fine of $2,500 USD, this may be repeated up to two [2] times
4b2. It is mandated that the CPA enforce the disbandment of any organization ordered to disband
4c. While under orders to rectify any non-compliance violation an organization must cease all normal activity until the issue is resolved
4d. The Minister of the Interior may also order the disbandment of any organization deemed to be a threat to national security, provided that the group is armed and/or advocating violence of any sort
4d1. Organizations seeking to subvert the paramilitary clause by registering falsely as a sporting club, will be faced with a $50,000 USD per member of the organization and may be faced with a maximum of 1 year in prison and face immediate disbandment
4d2. The prison sentence above is to be applied only to people considered to be the leadership of the organization
4e. The Minister of the Interior may order an organization to disband if they believe it to be a danger to the safety of the public at large
4e1. The Minister of Justice may be petitioned to review any disbandment and has the power to reinstate an organization
4e2. The CPA is mandated to enforce disbandment by force if a peaceful disbandment has not occurred within 30 days
4f. If a paramilitary organization remains unregistered within 6 months of this bill becoming law, they will be fined $50,000USD, if within a year they have not registered they will be ordered to disband

Section 2. The National Security Directorate

1. The National Security Directorate [NSD] will be deemed an intelligence gathering agency tasked with gathering intelligence on terrorist organizations, seditious groups, and providing investigative support to smaller police agencies

2. The NSD will be headed by a Director of National Intelligence, who may appoint up to four deputies [Deputy Director of National Intelligence for {assigned label}] at their leisure

2a. The Director of National Intelligence is appointed by the Minister of the Interior
2b. The Director of National Intelligence [DNI] will serve at the Minister of the Interiors leisure
2c. The DNI is authorized to seek the aid of the CPA whenever they may deem necessary

3. Field Agents of the NSD are empowered with the power to arrest, seize property pursuant to a warrant, serve active warrants issued by the appropriate authority, and request warrants for appropriate reasons.

3a. Field Agents may not engage in the everyday policing of the nation, unless a request for assistance is issued by the Centralised Police Authority [CPA]
3b. Field Agents are required to be armed and are required to meet the qualifications as laid out by the Police Establishment and Powers Act for firearms qualification
3c. The standard set of equipment an agent must carry in the field is to be laid out by the DNI
3d. The DNI is empowered to create branches of the NSD to better focus on specific tasks
3e. Agents must attend an appropriate law enforcement academy to qualify for field duties
3f. The NSD will begin with the following branches: Field Office, Forensics, Profiling and Psychological Operations,

4. A permanent sitting committee is hereby established, Committee for National Security; its task will be to review national security procedures, investigate cases assigned by the Ministry of Justice or Interior, and to issue a monthly report on the state of national security

4a. The committee shall have three government members and two opposition members
4b. The committee shall have the power to subpoena relevant persons to investigations or topics of discussion
4b1. Those who violate the order of the committee or ignore a subpoena will be charged with Contempt of Parliament
4c. The Prime Minister is to appoint the members of this committee and remove them at their leisure
4d. The chairman shall be selected by the Prime Minister from the members representing the government on the committee

Section 3. Sunset Clause

In acknowledgement that one day this act may become unneeded this sunset clause will be included.

1. This act shall be voted on every 3 years starting from the day it becomes law

1a. If a YES vote is returned, this act shall be struck out in it's entirety
1b. If a NO vote is returned parliament must wait the mandated 3 years before calling another vote

Questions, comments, sponsors?

I'll sponsor.

[Davincia]

---

Euthanasia Regulation Act

Authors: Abraham Blakesman (CRP) and Vladimiro Huarcaya (NDP)
Sponsors: Jeffrey Lewis (FDP), Boris Johnson (LDP), Tarquin Biscuitbarrel (CRP), Carl Rhodes (CRP)
To uphold standards of decency in the practice of healthcare.

---

Section 1: Definitions

Euthanasia- The killing of a patient suffering from a presumably incurable disease or condition.
Coma- A state of prolonged unconsciousness over an indefinite period of time.
Alzheimer's Disease- Slow deterioration of brain functions, including memory skills and motor functions.
Late Cancer- Point in which a tumor’s development cannot be averted by modern healthcare or medicinal practices.
Disease- A disorder present in a human being, from which harmful symptoms can originate.

Section 2: Regulation for Hospitals

A. No hospital shall have the legal ability to kill patients suffering from entirely curable/treatable illnesses. Conditions for which euthanasia is permissible includes, but is not limited to: comas lasting longer than two months, Alzheimer’s Disease, and late stages of any cancerous disease.
B. Families and/or acquaintances of a patient afflicted with a permanent illness must be informed of all healthcare options, when the possibility of euthanasia is recommended.
C. A minimum of three doctors are to have insight whenever a patient seeks out euthanasia, or when another doctor recommends its use, to offset the chance of misuse on the sick.

Section 3: Consent of the Afflicted

A) Healthcare providers who euthanize patients without the following requirements: consent from the patient themselves, or from their families if consent cannot be given, approval of two other physicians, as well as corresponding legal confirmation/documentation are warranted for arrest by law enforcement.
B) Any patient, before which euthanasia can be applied, must have the option to decline or to seek care in a hospice whenever it is requested.
C) Medicinal euthanasia used outside a hospital or hospice, and has not been properly registered within those institutions, may be considered a tool of murder if used for such purposes.
D) To determine which diseases make an patient eligible for euthanasia, a council will be created and composed of medical experts and ethicists, operating under the Ministry of Health.

First Amendment to the Protection of Religious Freedom for Minors Act

|Author: Abraham Blakesman (CRP)
|Sponsors: Maximilian Jakobiner (CNP),Willem de Ruyter (CRP), Carl Rhodes (CRP)|

An act to defend the spiritual sensitivities of parents across the nation.

---

§1. Repeal

a. §2-1 of the amended bill is to be rendered null and void.
b. §2-3 will be amended to only apply to public education, whereas parents may not limit a minor's education on religion/irreligion if it is being taught within a public school.

[Democratic Peoples republic of Kelvinsi]

I will sponsor Euthanasia Regulation Act, can you sponsor my welfare cut act though?

[Mediciano]

I will sponsor Euthanasia Regulation Act, can you sponsor my welfare cut act though?

Why would anyone do that? It's an awful bill. 150$ per month per child? People will have more children to get more money.

[Democratic Peoples republic of Kelvinsi]

I will sponsor Euthanasia Regulation Act, can you sponsor my welfare cut act though?

Why would anyone do that? It's an awful bill. 150$ per month per child? People will have more children to get more money.

That is actually a cut...

[Davincia]

I will sponsor Euthanasia Regulation Act, can you sponsor my welfare cut act though?

Sure, you can count me as a sponsor now.

[Mediciano]

Why would anyone do that? It's an awful bill. 150$ per month per child? People will have more children to get more money.

That is actually a cut...

You should remove the provision regarding number of children, then. It makes it too easy to manipulate the law.

[Democratic Peoples republic of Kelvinsi]

There took out the per child part.

Social Benefits Equalization act
Author: Senator Carl Rhodes (Democratic Peoples Republic of Kelvinsi/ Civic Reform
Sponsors: Willem de Ruyter(CRP), Abraham Blakesman(CRP),
An act to provide protection to the people of Calaverde, and help the underprivileged

§ 1 - Family Assistance Equalization

a) §2.a of the Universal Family Assistance Act shall be amended to read, and all other previous amendments be rendered void:

Families under the poverty line(bottom 10 percent) shall be entitled to a payment of US $150 per month

b) §3.a of the Universal Family Assistance Act shall be amended to read:

Sole-parent families, defined as families with one head of household who cares for one or more child(ren) more than 80% of the time, shall be entitled to an additional child benefit. This additional child benefit shall be worth US$150 per month,..

c) §3.b of the Universal Family Assistance Act shall be amended to read:
Families with a child with disability, certified by a medical doctor, shall be entitled to an additional child benefit. This additional child benefit shall be worth $50 per month.

§ 2 - Income Splitting Authorization
All families may split income among all family members over the age of 18
Family members must be within two generations
The average income per adult in the family becomes the new taxable amount
All legislation disallowing this section shall be rendered null and avoid

§ 3 - Social Safety Net Modification
a) §2.b.i, §2.b.ii, and §2.b.iii of the Social Safety Net Act shall face the following amendments, and all amendments prior to that be rendered null and void reading:
i.) Single person: US$75 per week
ii.) Cohabiting couple: US$80 per week each (US$160 total)
iii.) Cohabiting couple with child(ren): US$100 per week each (US$200 total)
b) §3.b. of the Social Safety Net Act shall be amended to read, and all amendments prior be made null and void:
The SPA shall pay US$70 per week
c) §4.b.i, §4.b.ii, §4.b.iii of the Social Safety Net Act shall face the following amendments, and all previous amendments be made null and void reading:
i.) Severe impairment (75%-100%): US$125 per week
ii.) Medium impairment (40%-75%): US$115 per week
iii.) Moderate impairment (less than 40%): US$95 per week
d) §5.c.i of the Social Safety Net Act shall be amended to read:
i.) Without child: $65 per week
With a child: $155 per week
§7.a i of Social Safety Net Act be modified to read
Gross income must be less than $70 per week, but more than $40 or whatever the gross earnings from ten hours of work at the minimum wage is - whichever is lower. . Each dollar earned above $80 will reduce the payment by 50 cents. Total annual income must not exceed $5,800

[Argentarino]

There took out the per child part.

Social Benefits Equalization act
Author: Senator Carl Rhodes (Democratic Peoples Republic of Kelvinsi/ Civic Reform
Sponsors: Willem de Ruyter(CRP), Abraham Blakesman(CRP),
An act to provide protection to the people of Calaverde, and help the underprivileged

§ 1 - Family Assistance Equalization

a) §2.a of the Universal Family Assistance Act shall be amended to read, and all other previous amendments be rendered void:

Families under the poverty line(bottom 10 percent) shall be entitled to a payment of US $150 per month

b) §3.a of the Universal Family Assistance Act shall be amended to read:

Sole-parent families, defined as families with one head of household who cares for one or more child(ren) more than 80% of the time, shall be entitled to an additional child benefit. This additional child benefit shall be worth US$150 per month,..

c) §3.b of the Universal Family Assistance Act shall be amended to read:
Families with a child with disability, certified by a medical doctor, shall be entitled to an additional child benefit. This additional child benefit shall be worth $50 per month.

§ 2 - Income Splitting Authorization
All families may split income among all family members over the age of 18
Family members must be within two generations
The average income per adult in the family becomes the new taxable amount
All legislation disallowing this section shall be rendered null and avoid

§ 3 - Social Safety Net Modification
a) §2.b.i, §2.b.ii, and §2.b.iii of the Social Safety Net Act shall face the following amendments, and all amendments prior to that be rendered null and void reading:
i.) Single person: US$75 per week
ii.) Cohabiting couple: US$80 per week each (US$160 total)
iii.) Cohabiting couple with child(ren): US$100 per week each (US$200 total)
b) §3.b. of the Social Safety Net Act shall be amended to read, and all amendments prior be made null and void:
The SPA shall pay US$70 per week
c) §4.b.i, §4.b.ii, §4.b.iii of the Social Safety Net Act shall face the following amendments, and all previous amendments be made null and void reading:
i.) Severe impairment (75%-100%): US$125 per week
ii.) Medium impairment (40%-75%): US$115 per week
iii.) Moderate impairment (less than 40%): US$95 per week
d) §5.c.i of the Social Safety Net Act shall be amended to read:
i.) Without child: $65 per week
With a child: $155 per week
§7.a i of Social Safety Net Act be modified to read
Gross income must be less than $70 per week, but more than $40 or whatever the gross earnings from ten hours of work at the minimum wage is - whichever is lower. . Each dollar earned above $80 will reduce the payment by 50 cents. Total annual income must not exceed $5,800

Good luck trying to pass a cut to family services while this government is in power.

[Atlanticatia]

The benefit cuts you're proposing are ruthless, unnecessary, and will increase child poverty. We should be increasing benefits.

[Democratic Peoples republic of Kelvinsi]

We spend too much on family services anyways, besides if you accept the cut we might not scrape family welfare all together.

[Argentarino]

We spend too much on family services anyways, besides if you accept the cut we might not scrape family welfare all together.

You act as if you are negotiating from a position of strength, here...or that this at all is a negotiation. I'm sure the government will vote down this bill, should it ever disgrace the halls of Parliament.

[Mediciano]

I need one more sponsor for the AHFA.

Please someone just sponsor this so it can be debated...

Dear Lord, it's not even a controversial bill! Just someone please sponsor it!

[Argentarino]

---

Arts and Humanities Funding Act
| Author: Maximilian Francis Isidore Roberts-Peterson Jakobiner - Ind. - (Mediciano) |
| Sponsors: Geneviève Minerva Duflot - Liberal Democrats - (Geilinor) ; Blake Hudson- CSP - (Byzantium Imperial) ; David Vera Cruz – Social Democratic Alliance - (Heraklea-) ; Agustín Tejeda - Ind. - (Nova Anglicana)|

---

Understanding that it is difficult for workers in the arts and humanities to achieve adequate funding for their work, and further acknowledging the extreme import of creative fields to Calaverdean culture and richness of life, this Act seeks to ensure the continuation of the artistic and creative tradition of our beautiful nation.

---

§1 - Establishing a General Fund for the Arts

(1) The Senate shall henceforth allocate an amount not lesser than 0.0005% of the nation's GDP for the 'General Fund for the Arts (GFA)' in each proposed budget.
(2) The GFA shall not be devalued after its allocation has been set by a passed budget, unless a subsequently proposed budget is passed by the Senate and modifies GFA funding.
(3) At no point shall any individual directly draw money from the GFA, nor shall the Senate at any point pull any monetary amount from the current GFA assets for reasons other than distribution through the channels described in the second section of this Act.
(4) Individual citizens shall have the opportunity to make private financial donations to the fund, which shall be tax deductible in accordance with the current tax code. These donations will not afford any special privileges, influence or insight into the distribution or use of the GFA, nor afford the donor any special consideration as a recipient of the fund's assets, other than what is standard for all eligible fund recipients.

§2 - Distribution of Assets Allocated to the General Fund for the Arts

(1) The GFA shall be administered by the office of the Minister of Culture, and this ministry will be responsible for distributing funds to worthy artists and creative institutions.
(2) The Senate will retain the right to veto, by way of a majority vote, any distribution of funds considered out of order or otherwise unacceptable to government sensibilities and responsibilities.
(3) Artists, either individually or through a cooperative, guild, club, league, society or other organization will be allowed to submit requests for funding distribution to the Ministry of Culture. These requests will be a matter of public record to ensure transparency in GFA fund allocations.

Geilinor, will you remain as a sponsor with the current revisions? Unions have been removed from being explicitly eligible under the bill, but are still eligible under the umbrella of "other organizations" in Section 2, Clause 3.

Otherwise, questions, edits or sponsors to this second draft?

Sponsor for debate

[Ikania]

I'm the Minister of Culture, how did I not notice this? Take my sponsorship, Med.

[The True North (Ancient)]

I will sponsor Euthanasia Regulation Act, can you sponsor my welfare cut act though?

That's not very ethical, is it?

[Mediciano]

Thank you so very much Ikania and Argentarino!

[Geilinor]

Mediciano, I will still sponsor the bill.

[Great Nepal]

Okay so with that terrible welfare cut act I'd an idea (well technically one about reusing a old from last senate)... Replace most benefits with one universal benefit which is enough for person to fulfil their basic needs - amount of which is dynamically determined by independent commission. Anyone who earns below that income and has less than x in savings gets subsidy to that amount.
As for exact benefits, I was thinking following to be excluded in present and future: state pensions, any contribution based benefits, child benefit upto two child, disability and sickness benefit. I'll write a bill ideally by tomorrow (might take bit longer) but just wanted to throw it out there to test the waters overnight before I start anything.

[Atlanticatia]

Okay so with that terrible welfare cut act I'd an idea (well technically one about reusing a old from last senate)... Replace most benefits with one universal benefit which is enough for person to fulfil their basic needs - amount of which is dynamically determined by independent commission. Anyone who earns below that income and has less than x in savings gets subsidy to that amount.
As for exact benefits, I was thinking following to be excluded in present and future: state pensions, any contribution based benefits, child benefit upto two child, disability and sickness benefit. I'll write a bill ideally by tomorrow (might take bit longer) but just wanted to throw it out there to test the waters overnight before I start anything.

So you'd essentially combine the Housing Allowance, Unemployment Allowance, and Single Parent Allowance into one benefit? (These are the three means-tested, working-age benefits excluding the ones you mentioned.) How would that work?

I see two issues:
a) Single Parent Allowance pays a lot more than Unemployment Allowance.
b) Housing Allowance is based on the claimant's rent, so it's hard to have a fixed amount.
c) Work requirements are different for each benefits. For example, Unemployment Allowance claimants are required to look for work, but Single Parent Allowance claimants don't have to look for work if their child is aged under 14.

I do not want to see single parents with young children forced to look for work, or see anyone on the benefit lose money from their housing allowance or benefit payment.