Salzburg renews funding for kindergarten buses

The state of Salzburg will provide one million euros a year for the next two years to help fund kindergarten buses, ORF reported. The service’s costs are shared equally by the state, municipalities and parents.

Funding is secured in 91 of the state’s 119 municipalities. Last year, the state government initially cut its contribution, but paid it after strong criticism from municipalities and parents.

Governor Karoline Edtstadler of the Austrian People’s Party said the money would come from reserve funds intended for special cases. She said supporting municipalities and families on the issue was a government priority.

The government approved the funding despite growing pressure to save money and a stability pact planned for next year that would cap borrowing at about 270 million euros. The decision is intended to avoid debate and protests like those last year, including over the cancellation of a care bonus.