Budgets are always about money and Steven Joyce's first Budget took that a step further - it was all about "cash".
Joyce described the day as "quite exciting" which it certainly was if you like cash in the hand.
Those earning $22,000-$52,000 a year will get a tax cut of $11 a week - $560 a year. And everyone on over $52,000 a year gets tax cut by $20 a week or over $1000 a year
For single mother to five children Jade Temepara, the money will "obviously make a huge difference".
She earns around $50,000 a year. Under the changes to tax and working for families changes she will get about an extra $83 a week.
"Families need support and help to survive more than just to thrive," she says.
Steven Joyce's cash injection is aimed directly at the Kiwi battlers, at those for whom the struggle is real.
A west Auckland solo parent on $33,000 per year will get a tax cut of $11 a week, a Working for Families boost of another $9. The accommodation supplement goes by $110 - a total of $130 a week
A Palmerston North family on one income of $55,000 per year will get a tax cut of $20 a week, a Working For Families increase of $21 and an accommodation boost of another $40 - a total of $81 a week.
That's about what Jade Tempara will be getting too.
"That will just go to our living costs, to buy extra things that we need for winter," she says.
And students get a boost too: $20 a week for those on allowances.
But the extra dosh doesn't kick in until April 1 next year - you have to vote National.
Joyce its saying it's not an election bribe, but there's no doubt this Budget is about cash - with a catch.
Newshub.
