RIO DE JANEIRO, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- Speaker of the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies Rodrigo Maia announced on Tuesday a package of bills to tackle inequality and poverty in the country.
The package includes at least seven regular bills and a constitutional amendment proposal, focusing on workers' protection networks, minimum income, basic sanitation and water distribution, among others.
It is necessary to make advancements in the social arena, said Maia. "Our agenda goes beyond economic reforms and is aimed at having a more equal country," he said.
Maia said minimum income will be the first issue to be addressed, with constitutional changes to make minimum income programs such as Bolsa Familia a state policy.
Bolsa Familia, started in the early 2000s, is considered highly successful in reducing inequality in Brazil and increasing the purchase power of underprivileged classes.
It provides a minimum income to parents who keep their children in school and properly vaccinated.
