Lower house approves increase in maternity grant, parental allowance

The lower house has decided to double maternity grants from 8,600 crowns to 17,500 crowns (730 dollars). Under the same bill, parents of most first-graders would receive 1,000 crowns from the state to buy school supplies. MPs have also approved an increase in parental allowance distributed to parents of children under the age of four. Both bills have yet to be signed by the president.