St. Gallen Voters to Decide on Expanded Financial Support for Disabled Residents

Voters in the canton of St. Gallen will decide on November 29 on two amendments to the legislation governing the social security and integration of persons with disabilities. The proposed changes aim to expand financial support for independent living arrangements and specialized childcare.

The first project focuses on encouraging independent living by providing financial contributions based on individual needs. By strengthening outpatient care options as an alternative to residential care homes, the cantonal government estimates net savings of approximately 10 million Swiss francs annually by 2034. The St. Gallen Cantonal Council approved this measure without any opposing votes.

The second proposal introduces cantonal coverage for additional care costs in day-care centers when children require specialized support. Cantonal Councilor Laura Bucher stated that the measures would allow affected individuals to determine their living situations and help families place children with disabilities in standard day-care facilities. The canton also intends to implement the requirements of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities through these provisions.

Because the childcare measures are projected to generate additional recurring costs of 1.4 million to 1.8 million Swiss francs per year, the package is subject to a mandatory financial referendum. The Swiss People's Party (SVP) was the sole parliamentary group to reject the childcare amendment. SVP President Walter Gartmann stated that his party opposes allocating a significant portion of the funds to staff coaching, arguing that financial resources should instead go directly to persons with disabilities.

Written by Thorben Thiede thorben.thiede@alpineweekly.com