Costa Rica News – With those living under the poverty line increasing each year in Costa Rica, you would think that the Costa Rican government might be looking to increase the base salary people are required to receive.
But as it is with governments everywhere, the goal is to make sure the rich and powerful stay in their positions.
The base salary, upon which financial penalties are based, was increased this year, but very little compared to in recent years. The figure used in 2014 was ¢ 399,400 and for 2015 it will be ¢403,400.
That’s right a whopping increase of 4,000 colones or about $8 a month.
While this year it only jumps by ¢4,000, from 2012-2013 it grew by ¢20,000. This figure appears in the Law on Regular Budget of the Republic, established in 1993. This is when the concept of base salary for special crimes came about.
The figure will change starting January 1 and be used in penalties for crimes such as robbery, theft and fraud. The fines criminals will have to pay are based on this base salary.
In a case of theft, for example, the criminal could go to jail for 1-3 years if the value of stolen goods does not exceed five times the base salary, but up to 10 years if it is a larger amount. The base salary is also used to establish taxes on corporations.
