Agenda Profile: Kadri Tali
First reading of the Draft Act amending Section 27 of the Law on Preschool Institutions (319 SE)
2024-09-11
Fifteenth Riigikogu, fourth session, plenary session
Political Position
The most important issue is the reduction of the maximum rate for preschool placement fees from 20% to 10% of the minimum wage. Evelin Poolamets strongly supports this proposal, justifying her position by referencing the rise in the minimum wage and the coalition agreement's promise to redirect savings from child benefits toward improving the availability of services. The government and the majority of the committee oppose the draft legislation, citing that it excessively restricts the self-governance rights of local municipalities.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Evelin Poolamets demonstrates knowledge of the current pay rate and the upcoming increase in the minimum wage, as well as the varying practices of local authorities in implementing these fees. Kristel Möller (HTM) provides legal expertise concerning the restriction of local government rights. Tõnis Lukas stresses the necessity of addressing the issue of kindergarten funding comprehensively and strategically within a single term of government.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is predominantly factual and procedural, focusing on the details of the draft legislation and its legal implications. The arguments are logical and policy-driven, referencing percentages and specific sections of the law. Helle-Moonika Helme introduces a consensus-seeking note, stressing the need to fulfill the political parties’ shared commitments regarding early childhood education.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The analyzed pattern of activity is related to the sitting of the Cultural Affairs Committee on November 21, 2023, where preparations were made for the first reading of the draft bill initiated by the EKRE faction. The activity encompassed hearing the position of the Government of the Republic, a substantive discussion, and a vote on making a proposal to reject the draft bill. Heljo Pikhof was designated as the committee’s rapporteur, who was subsequently replaced under authorization at a later plenary session.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism leveled against the draft bill is that it unduly restricts the self-governance rights of local authorities, a point emphasized by both the government representative and Tõnis Lukas. Signe Kivi directly proposed rejecting the bill. The commission voted 7 in favor and 3 against to recommend rejecting the draft bill, demonstrating strong opposition to this specific change.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Helle-Moonika Helme called for achieving consensus on the issue of early childhood education and the participation fee, noting that this topic is reflected in the platforms of all political parties. The commission reached a consensus decision regarding the appointment of the rapporteur. However, a clear disagreement arose on the substantive matter (supporting the draft bill), which resulted in a proposal to reject the bill, passed by a vote of 7-3.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is highlighted through the issue of local government autonomy. Tõnis Lukas emphasized that maintaining a price differential allows for competition and provides smaller municipalities with a certain degree of opportunity. The debate centers on the balance between national regulation and local flexibility.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic perspective of the bill's supporters (Poolamets) focuses on reducing the financial burden on parents, linking this reduction to the increase in the minimum wage. Furthermore, the position has been put forward that the amount saved from the reduced child benefits should be directed toward improving the accessibility of services. Tõnis Lukas supports maintaining the price range for local governments to enable competition.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social issue being addressed is the accessibility and affordability of early childhood education, which is regulated by the maximum limit set for the participation fee covered by parents. The draft legislation aims to provide social support through the reduction of these fees, while opponents emphasize the local government's capacity to organize social services independently.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on Bill 319 SE, the draft Act amending § 27 of the Law on Preschool Institutions, which was initiated by the faction of the Estonian Conservative People's Party. The purpose of the bill was to change the maximum limit of the parental contribution from 20% to 10%. The committee focused on proposing the rejection of the bill at the first reading.
1 Speeches Analyzed