KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) – The Senate on Tuesday passed the Appropriations Bill, which authorises the Government to spend funds allocated in the 2016/17 Budget.

The $580 Billion budget was passed last Wednesday (May 25) in the House of Representatives.

Deputy Leader of Government Business in the Upper House, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, who piloted the Bill, said the Government has crafted a budget that is focussed on economic growth and job creation.

He said that meaningful employment will be created through “faster and more sustainable reduction of the public debt,” and by laying a strong foundation towards prosperity.

The minister noted that in addition to stimulating economic growth, expenditure has been prioritised for social protection and national security.

An allocation of $28.6 billion, which is approximately 1.6 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP), has been set aside to safeguard social programmes for the most vulnerable in the society.

The Programme of Advancement through Health and Education (PATH) has received $6.0 billion.

In the area of national security, Senator Reid pointed out that the total resources provided for the portfolio is $59.2 billion representing an increase of $2.4 billion.

“This is the second largest share of the non-debt budget after the allocation to the education portfolio,” he informed.