A fiscal 2002 supplementary budget was enacted on January 30 after it was passed through the House of Councilors, supported by the three ruling parties.
The budget includes 1.5 trillion yen for traditional public works projects as well as funding to cover tax revenue shortfalls due to the economic slowdown. To make up for the spending, 5 trillion yen of extra government bonds will be issued.
The four opposition parties were demanding that the budget be directed to increase jobs and support smaller businesses. Japanese Communist Party lawmaker Inoue Tetsushi criticized the budget for failing to promote consumer spending. (end)
Copyright (c) Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. All right reserved.