The role of 2009 National Finance is more critical than ever in domestic and international economic turmoil. Needless to say, the National Assembly’s role to deliberate on and approve the budget bill is vital. The administration draws up 2009 budget bill based on total expenditure of 273.8 trillion Korean won increased 6.5% from the total expenditure in fiscal year 2008. 2009 budget bill, reflecting a roadmap of President Lee’s administration, will be the first deliberation on the budget of the 18th National Assembly.

2009 budget bill is considered to be balanced. However, considering a positive attitude of the administration to economic conditions, unstable conditions in tax revenue, and continuously increasing the government expenditures, the critical role of the National Assembly on budget deliberation is more important than ever. Moreover, an in-depth discussion should be taken place in the process of budget deliberation on a positive fiscal policy for stimulating economy and financial support for stabilization of people’s living.

The National Assembly Budget Office has published Budget Bill Analysis, complete in four volumes, in order to support the Members of National Assembly for the deliberation on 2009 Budget Bill and Fiscal Management Plan. The first volume includes economic outlook and revenue estimation, which was estimated by NABO’s own model, analyses on fiscal soundness, resource allocation by factor, and analyses on current fiscal issues. Especially ten most controversial issues are addressed which lack legal bases or a proper program schedule, therefore, should be discussed in the process of budget deliberation. The rest three volumes cover in-depth analyses on budget and programs by committee.