 Don't cut budget in support of daily living conditions Following the December 20 announcement by the Ministry of Finance of the next year's draft government budget, representatives of democratic organizations petitioned the ministry demanding that the government's mass tax increase plan be foiled, paying for the compulsory education system be continued, and the people's living conditions under fierce depression be sustained by tax money. Twelve organizations, including the "Cut Military Expenditure and Improve Welfare and Education" People's Big Movement organizing committee, the National Confederation of Trade Unions (Zenroren), and the New Japan Women's Association, attended the petitioning held on the same day. As unified demands, they raised the following; (1) suspend the government policy of abolishing the temporary tax rate reduction system in the next two years and increase the rates of corporation tax and tax on higher income earners; (2) maintain allotting government budgets to sustain the compulsory education system; use tax money to support minimum living conditions instead; (3) eliminate a great sum of wasteful expenses for major public undertakings and defense, and (4) increase subsidies for private schools. Finance Minister Tanigaki Sadakazu received them and stated that ceasing the temporary tax rate reduction system is aimed at stabilizing the pension system which is in a predicament. He promised that the ministry will discuss with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology concerning an increase of subsidies for private schools. Two Japanese Communist Party Dietmembers accompanied their petition delivery. (end) |