Gyeonggi Governor Chu Mi-ae pursues fiscal reform and disease control

Gyeonggi Province Governor Chu Mi-ae is prioritizing fiscal reform and environmental management during her first 100 days in office. To address financial instability, Chu has initiated a major expenditure restructuring, proposing a reduction of 546.5 billion won in the second supplementary budget to reallocate funds toward essential welfare and vulnerable groups. Additionally, she is pushing for legislative changes at the national level, including increasing local consumption tax rates and transferring corporate tax portions to local governments, which could secure an estimated 14.1 trillion won over four years.

On the environmental front, Chu is addressing a significant surge in pine wilt disease within the province. Infections have increased by nearly 67.8% compared to the previous year, with damage concentrated in northeastern areas like Gapyeong and Yangpyeong. In response, the provincial government is establishing a dedicated task force to develop a five-year regional control strategy and enhance scientific prevention capabilities through the Gyeonggi Forest Environment Research Institute.