Agenda Profile: Lauri Laats
Second reading of the draft law amending the Social Welfare Act and the Value Added Tax Act (mental health service) (500 SE)
2024-11-14
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session.
Political Position
The Centre Party faction is strongly critical of the bill's second reading and does not support its current form. They call it an incomplete solution, emphasizing the heavy workload and lack of resources for local governments, as well as the deficit in the balance between state and local funding.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of municipal financing, the organization of services, and the roles of the national versus local levels; they refer to the State Budget procedure and the concerns of the Association of Estonian Cities and Municipalities, and use terms such as "state budget," "resources," and "workload."
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is pragmatic and fact-based, yet noticeably anxious; it emphasizes conditions that have caused injustice or hardship and utilizes specific examples such as "every cent is accounted for right now," alongside repeated references to the burden at the local level.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Participated in the sessions and committee discussions, including Settings, held on November 14, 2024, and refers to the preceding state budget procedure; demonstrates consistent activity in discussions and through the submission of questions, despite the late and nighttime hours.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main objection concerns the form and financing of the draft bill; they strongly oppose it and deem the proposed solution incomplete. They do not rule out cooperation, but emphasize the need for changes before adoption.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Acknowledges the concerns highlighted by local authorities and the Union, and demonstrates a willingness to cooperate in order to accommodate those interests; but does not confirm agreement with the controversial sections of the draft bill's current text.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on local governments and their capacity to deliver services, highlighting the workload and insufficient funding faced by these municipalities. The text also mentions the Association of Estonian Cities and Municipalities as a key stakeholder.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The size of the financial burden placed on local municipalities is the primary concern; it is emphasized that while some services are covered by the state budget, the remainder must be sourced locally; skepticism is expressed regarding the continuation of the current funding arrangement.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The text highlights the increasing need and growing demand for mental health services, as well as rising public awareness. However, the focus remains on concerns regarding securing funding and accessibility within local governments, rather than addressing the broader social rhetoric of the draft legislation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main objective is to review the second reading of the Act amending the Social Welfare Act and the Value Added Tax Act; changes are required in the distribution of responsibilities for financing and service provision; the current form is not supported, and the need for solutions with a clearer division is emphasized.
3 Speeches Analyzed