diet3

Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

Bill that destroys disabled people's living must be retracted: JCP

In the House of Councilors Budget Committee meeting on October 4, Japanese Communist Party House of Councilors representative Koike Akira demanded that a bill forcing disabled persons to pay 10 percent of the costs for the services they use be retracted. Contrary to the stated aim of promoting the self-support of disabled persons, it will wreck their living conditions.

The bill, if enacted, will charge 29,000 yen a month for using work centers that are now free of charge for many disabled people. Koike pointed out that this is four times their average monthly wage of 7,300 yen.

Prime Minister Koizumi evasively answered that consideration should be given to people with low incomes. However, it came to light that even with some reductions and exemptions, only 25,000 yen a month will be left in the hands of those who work at sheltered workshops for the disabled.

Koike asked, "How can a person live on 800 yen a day?" He said that the bill is in violation of Article 25 of the Constitution guaranteeing "wholesome and cultured living" to all people.

With the parliamentary discussion on the "self-support" bill starting, 25 organizations concerned with the disabled held a forum in Tokyo, attended by 1,300 people, including families and friends. The meeting adopted an appeal "Don't decide on matters concerning us without listening to us." -- Akahata, October 5, 2005