Tocantins State Budget Law prioritises public sector recruitment and health works

The government of Tocantins state has sanctioned the Budget Guidelines Law (Lei de Diretrizes Orçamentárias - LDO) for the 2026 fiscal year. The law, published in a supplement to the State Official Gazette on Thursday (4 December), organises the planned budget and establishes investment priorities, including public sector recruitment and works in health and education.

The LDO was approved by the Tocantins State Legislative Assembly (Aleto) on 5 November. Governor Wanderlei Barbosa sanctioned the text without vetoing any of the amendments proposed by state parliamentarians. The priorities were formulated in accordance with the state's 2024-2027 Multi-Year Plan (PPA), following debates with societal participation.

Key Priorities for Public Investment

In the health sector, the LDO prioritises the continuation of construction works for the General Hospitals in Araguaína and Gurupi, as well as the Women's and Maternity Hospital. It also sets a target of performing 12,000 elective surgeries and conducting studies to expand the healthcare network.

For education, priorities include the expansion of the Tocantins State University (Unitins), with a focus on health-related courses. The state administration also intends to conduct studies for the reform and restructuring of Student Housing facilities in the municipalities of Araguaína, Arraias, Gurupi, Palmas, Porto Nacional, and Tocantinópolis.

Security and Infrastructure Focus

Within public security, the top priority is holding a recruitment exam for the Civil Police. The government also plans to initiate studies for a recruitment exam for the Penal Police.

Regarding infrastructure, a key goal is to begin works and services for the duplication of the Governor Siqueira Campos Bridge, located on the TO-080 highway, alongside paving other state roads.

Governance and Next Steps

The law governs the goals and priorities of the State Public Administration, the structure and organisation of budgets, and guidelines for the elaboration, execution, and evaluation of the state budget, including parliamentary amendments.

Within public administration, studies are to advance for the realisation of further public sector recruitment exams for the state government. The approved LDO forecasts a budget of nearly R$ 17 billion for the 2026 fiscal year.