In recent years, the significant increase in budget amendments has sparked widespread debate. Since the Union, this practice is also found in many entities of the Federation. And, with the possibility of directing a significant part of the unallocated resources, parliamentarians add action beyond the traditional functions of legislation and control: they obtain effective participation in the execution of the budget, in actions distributed throughout the national territory.
- Genius/Quest: Flávio Bolsonaro approaches Lula in the 2nd round and the PT deputy increases his advantage over the governors
The innovation in question is marked by different aspects, ranging from the continuous increase in values (at the federal level, from R$6 billion allocated ten years ago, this year we have reached approximately R$50 billion) to the necessary transparency in employment, control and evaluation of results. And the debate continues regarding the criteria of the choices made, in relation to the existing requirements in the different public policies, throughout Brazil.
- Link to CV: “If he faces me, I will drink his blood,” Bacellar said of political disaffection
Without prejudice to the greatest respect for the democratic legitimacy of those invested by the popular vote, it is certain that, from the point of view of planning (which, according to the Constitution, is obligatory for the public sector), the theme of “amendments” gives rise to reflections and analyzes in the light of the principles of efficiency, effectiveness and effectiveness. However, even in the current design, in the delicate balance between fiscal governance and negotiating forces and the various conflicting interests, it is possible to meet some of the main national priorities.
And what then is the true purpose of the title of this simple article? May our parliamentarians, from the different legislative chambers, reserve part of their respective appointments for areas presenting notable needs, where specific investments could lead to concrete and rapid results. And, in the field of education (as is already the case for health), there could be a percentage “stamped” in the amendments. In this case, additional resources could be devoted to the construction, equipment and maintenance of preschool education schools, expanding access to daycare and the quality of this offer in the Brazilian municipalities that need it most.
However, even if there is no express rule in this regard, the allocation of funds that could serve hundreds of thousands of children throughout Brazil will depend solely on what is called “political will” (to be applied effectively, under control and with transparency). Adopting this approach would make it possible to demonstrate the relevance of public spending through the amendments and their immediate impacts for the benefit of the population.
Some figures help to paint the picture in this regard, with many justifications for this measure: according to data from the official Siga Brasil portal, of the almost R$310 billion committed for changes in all areas of the federal budget since 2015 (already corrected by the IPCA), just over R$15 billion (less than 5%) was allocated to the Education function (if we consider only the Early Childhood Education subfunction childhood, the figure of R$200 million has not been reached).
The recent Panorama of access to early childhood education in Brazil, from Todos Pela Educação (data from 2024), indicates an attendance rate in the country’s nurseries of only 41.2%, which means that almost 7 million girls and boys aged 0 to 3 are out of school. Of this total, 2.3 million children in this age group face access difficulties, such as “lack of space, distance from home or refusal of care due to their age”. And this reality affects precisely the population with the lowest incomes (thus those most in need).
The many reasons why it is strategic for the country to invest in the first years of life of girls and boys are known: development of stimuli and skills, living space, protection, sociability. And even the economic benefits are demonstrated: according to referenced research by Nobel Prize-winning economist James Heckman, each dollar allocated at this stage implies a return of 7 US dollars.
But, even if all this was little (and, of course, it is not!), there is a political component that seems attractive, as also mentioned in Renata Cafardo’s column, in Estadão of 08/11/2025. According to the author, during the election of Zohran Mamdani as mayor of New York, his program of commitments aimed at taking care of the little ones weighed heavily, demonstrating the topicality of the issue even in the rich “capital of the world”. And for the simple reason that it is something that directly affects the lives of families, in different dimensions.
Thus, it is possible to speak not only of evidence of impact, but also of the political return itself as a stimulus so that the absolute priority for children, young people and adolescents, provided for in Article 227 of the Constitution, actually materializes, beyond the stands and stands. Priority to be assumed by all public officials, from the three spheres of the Federation, especially since investing in the education of our children can also have positive effects at the level of elections.
The invitation is therefore to a broad national mobilization: parliamentary amendments also for nurseries!
*Cezar Miola is advisor, 2nd vice president of the Court of Auditors of the State of Rio Grande do Sul and former president of the Association of Members of the Courts of Auditors of Brazil.
About The Author
