With a score of 6 votes to 2, the Federal Superior Court (STF) formed a majority to declare the retirement of former governors unconstitutional. In Santa Catarina, seven of them still receive the benefit, which was extinguished in 2017.
But despite the decision, none of them will no longer receive their R$37,000 salary, nor will they need to reimburse what has already been received. In other words, those who already have it have acquired the right, but those who arrived later will no longer receive it. Former governor Carlos Moisés was the first to not receive a special pension. Jorginho Mello (PL) will also not be eligible.
In addition to those from Santa Catarina, former governors of five other states in the country also find themselves in the same situation, which can still be reversed by the 20th, during which time ministers will be able to change their votes.
Alexandre de Moraes, for example, initially followed the position of rapporteur Carmen Lúcia, who ordered the suspension of payment, but later voted for its continuation.
The votes of two ministers are missing, but the majority has already considered the request of the Attorney General’s Office (PGR) to declare invalid “the acts of state public authorities that granted the payment of pensions, special retirements and similar benefits to former governors, while laws later declared unconstitutional were in force.”
Only Carmen Lúcia and Luiz Fux voted in favor of suspending payments.
Improvement to the SC road network
Deputy Neodi Saretta (PT) has frequently demanded improvements in road conditions in Santa Catarina. The parliamentarian sent a new request to the State Government, requesting urgency in the recovery of SC-355, a section that connects Jaborá to BR-282. The road, which is part of the “Estrada Boa” program launched by the State, is in a precarious situation. The stretch is around 15 kilometers long and has an intense flow of vehicles and cargo trucks, as it is the transport route for agricultural and agro-industrial production in the region. In addition to this stretch, Saretta frequently calls for the recovery of other state and federal highways.
Go to Gas
The Santa Catarina Gas Company (SCGÁS) launched on Monday (13) a bonus program for vehicles converted to Natural Gas (CNG) in Santa Catarina. The campaign runs until 02/13/2024 and provides a R$2,000 card for CNG fueling for the first 297 vehicles registered and authorized by the Company. To participate in the “Vá no Gás” campaign, drivers must fully meet the prerequisites established by the regulations that are available on the SCGÁS website. The bonus is valid for up to three months from its activation, and must only be used when refueling CNG at the Company’s accredited stations in the State of Santa Catarina.
Working Groups
The State Department of Finance determined the creation of Working Groups (GTs) aimed at simplifying the so-called ancillary obligations related to ICMS.
Among other duties, the groups must formulate suggestions through coordination with bodies and entities representing the economic sectors of Santa Catarina. In addition to employees appointed by the Tax Administration Directorate (DIAT/SEF), the GTs will also have unpaid representatives from Jucesc and at least 14 entities representing business classes in Santa Catarina.
Slowdown
Santa Catarina exported US$826.7 million in October, 11.2% lower than in the same period last year. In the monthly analysis, the state registered the fourth consecutive decline, in the series free of seasonal effects. Analysis by the FIESC Observatory shows that foreign sales have been restricted by the slowdown in the global economy, reducing demand for Santa Catarina products. The reduction in demand from the main buyer, China, also negatively impacted pork exports.
Cargo route
The cargo terminal at Florianópolis International Airport already has a third cargo route connecting Miami to the capital of Santa Catarina. The new operation reinforces Floripa Airport Cargo’s position as a logistics hub in the South of Brazil and a gateway for cargo in Santa Catarina. Operated by Avianca Cargo, the route operates weekly, every Thursday. The new flight adds a capacity of 3,640 tons per year to the current 5,400 tons handled by LATAM Cargo. With this, Floripa Airport Cargo will reach almost 10 thousand tons of capacity per year on the United States route, which represents an increase of 66%.
Prefabricated houses
Santa Catarina will be able to export 1,500 prefabricated houses to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the coming years. Negotiations began in 2022, involving the country and Cooperativa Amurel, a consortium made up of five timber companies located in Jaguaruna and Tubarão. The project was presented this Monday, 13th, to governor Jorginho Mello, with the presence of a delegation from the DRC, led by the Minister of Mines, Victor Kasongo.
