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The Lucerne government has taken measures to support the economy. The focus is on complementary services in the areas of childcare, start-ups and tourism.
It is not until 2021 that the Lion of Lucerne Monument will again be full of tourists.
Keep the local economic engine running: That was the quintessence of the message that the director of construction, environment and economy, Fabian Peter (FDP), addressed to the population on Tuesday:
«I prefer local products. Go out to eat as soon as possible. And take a vacation here with us.
The third point is causing worry lines on Peter’s forehead. Because: the corona virus affects the tourism industry at heart, the industry is one of the most affected. Tourism generates over 1 billion Swiss francs in gross value added in the canton of Lucerne and has more than 11,000 full-time employees, six percent of all employees in the canton of Lucerne. “60 percent fewer overnight stays are expected this year,” said Peter. International guests in particular would be absent for a long time.
700,000 francs to attract guests to Lucerne
To ensure that the industry is in the starting blocks when the tourist flow picks up again from 2021, the Lucerne government has decided on a support program for Luzern Tourismus AG: a government contribution of CHF 400,000 is intended to buffer reduced income from lodging tax. The government is also making CHF 300,000 available for additional marketing measures. “The 700,000 francs should be used to get guests back to Lucerne as a tourist spot as quickly as possible,” says Fabian Peter. The focus is on the Swiss market.
Although the Lucerne government generally gives the Federal Council a good report on the exit strategy, it has nevertheless identified a tolggen in its brochure: Lucerne lacks catchy statements about the tourism industry. The fact that there is still no timetable for mountain railways or restaurants does not affect the industry. To increase pressure, the Lucerne government wrote to the Conference of Economic Directors.
But the VDK must not only achieve a better solution at this point: it is also important to eliminate unequal treatment between large distributors and retailers. “In our opinion, it should be reconsidered whether retailers who can ensure compliance with all necessary protection measures should not be able to open their stores on April 27,” said Fabian Peter. Otherwise, there would be distortions of competition.
Four million for nurseries and day families.
A day after Lucerne SP petitioned the government council with 659 signatures to secure funding for the daycares, health and social director Guido Graf (CVP) announces: The government wants to pay compensation for losses. This means: the canton and the municipalities each cover half of the uncovered costs of parents caring for their children at home during the crown crisis rather than in one of the approximately 100 day care centers or in day families.
The government is thus fulfilling a demand for the SP petition.
However, public support should not be provided in fonds perdu as required by the Social Democrats: a maximum of four million francs will be made available. This sum corresponds to the losses in the months of April to June. For comparison: Zug speaks for the canton’s 65 nurseries with an emergency loan of CHF 2.8 million for the period from March 16 to April 19.
Guido Graf emphasized on Tuesday that the government would still appreciate a national solution to Kita’s question. But you don’t want to wait any longer. Why:
“Kindergartens and day families now need help. Financial losses are life-threatening. ”
The economy depends on all workers being able to return to work at Corona as quickly as possible. “However, this is only possible if there is a family-related child care offer.”
One thing is clear: if a corresponding federal decree still went into effect, Lucerne would demand federal funds and divide it equally between the municipalities and the canton.
All students must receive certificates in the summer.
The Director of Education and Culture, Marcel Schwerzmann (not part), reported on the next steps in school operations: if the Federal Council confirms the scheduled date to resume face-to-face classes in primary schools on April 29, classes will start on May 11. According to the schedule. In the remaining eight weeks of the school year, regular tests were conducted and then graded certificates were issued.
The first and second grades of Lower Secondary School will resume regular operation on May 11. However, no enrollment exam or diploma should be jeopardized. More information is expected this week on this point. Vocational students will return to the classroom on June 8. On the contrary, there will be no face-to-face events at the university, the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and the University of Teacher Education at the end of the semester.
New companies should receive loans
Many startups are currently falling between the president and the bank – for example, because they don’t yet have a significant turnover to receive liquidity assistance from the federal package. Or because they would have to rely on financial injections, but now investors are lacking. If the federal government does not present a solution here in early May, the Lucerne government wants to support young companies with loans worth CHF 2 million. Because: they are “extremely important for innovation, value added and competitiveness,” said Chief Financial Officer Reto Wyss (CVP).
A maximum of CHF 500,000 is allocated per start-up through the Luzerner Kantonalbank. Start-ups that were founded between January 1, 2015 and December 2018, are based in the canton of Lucerne, are generally healthy, but now have significant losses due to Corona.
The district president draws the first conclusion
Finally, District President Paul Winiker (SVP) took stock of the situation after 50 days. The canton does not have to be accused of “too late, too shy or unfair reaction.” The health care system was successfully equipped for the worst case scenario, each crown patient was offered adequate treatment, and the collapse of the health system was avoided. “This is the result of a joint effort,” emphasized the Director of Justice and Security. “Blue light organizations, civil defense, the military and all of Lucerne have contributed to this.”
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