Rio de Janeiro Legislative Assembly discusses budget deficit and river pollution

The Legislative Assembly of the State of Rio de Janeiro (ALERJ) is addressing two distinct regional issues: a projected state budget deficit and environmental degradation in the Una River basin.

Regarding the 2027 Annual Budget Law Project (PLOA), the ALERJ Budget Commission unanimously approved a preliminary report forecasting a deficit of approximately 14 billion reais. The proposal anticipates 124.39 billion reais in net revenue against 138.27 billion reais in total expenses. The deficit is attributed to rising personnel costs and a reduction in real transfers from oil companies, despite a projected 25% increase in oil revenue compared to previous estimates. The budget undergoes further revisions and parliamentary amendments before a final vote scheduled for December 17.

In environmental matters, a public hearing was held to discuss the pollution of the Una River and its impact on the Lakes Region. Participants, including local residents, fishermen, and environmentalists, reported issues such as foam and foul odors at Praia Rasa, which have hindered the livelihoods of shellfish collectors. In response, ALERJ has established a working group to expand environmental monitoring of the river basin, conduct technical inspections, and investigate the causes of the pollution.