Senate finds extra budget funds for education and army

The Senators found additional money for pay rise for soldiers, for higher education and a religious shrine in Warsaw. Senators prepared 53 amendments, 44 of which were accepted. The most important changes concern the additional zl.200 million for higher education. The money was initially devoted to help pay foreign debts. However, the government is against this idea claiming that the money is needed as the national debt is constantly rising and so reserves must be made to cover contingencies. An additional zl.40 million is to be devoted to the Warsaw shrine of providence, as it is claimed the investment is connected with the preservation of the national heritage. The Commission also wants a zl.218 pay rise for every professional soldier and zl.6 million for treating injured combatants. The final decision concerning the budget is to be taken by the Sejm on January 24.(Rzeczpospolita, January 6-7, p. B2) M.M.