High time for solidarity

Abstract

The health crisis requires an immediate response. The Brazilian Chamber of Deputies, the Senate and the Executive branch have just approved a set of measures, focused on sustaining the income of the most vulnerable groups of Brazilians: families with per capita income equal to or less than half the minimum wage - implicitly recognizing that this is the national poverty line. This is the so-called Emergency Basic Income, a monthly benefit of R$600 (around 114 US dollars) per adult, granted to up to two adults per household, which is expected to last initially for three months, but can be extended for an equal period if necessary.