Bill to cut lifeline for single-parent families approved by Upper House committee

The Liberal Democratic, Komei, and Democratic parties used their majority to get a bill to drastically cut child-care allowance for single-parent households passed in the House of Councilors Welfare and Labor Committee meeting on November 21.

Before the vote, Japanese Communist Party Koike Akira criticized the bill, saying, "It'll further pinch single-parent households and deprive their kids of the right to education."

Under the present law, the allowance for dependent children of single-parent families is paid until children become 18 years old, but the proposed bill, if enacted, would reduce the allowance by up to 50 percent after five years have passed from the starting-year of the allowance.

At a public hearing, four out of six unsworn witnesses criticized the bill. Sudo Yachiyo, associate professor at Aichi Prefectural University, said, "We must not forget that single-parent households will actually need more money after five years, such as for education. The allowance cut will undercut needed assistance to them." Single mothers tearfully explained how difficult it is for them to maintain their living conditions.

The ruling parties on the surface showed their understanding of single-parents' hardship, but soon voted for the bill.

With only a 2-day discussion on the bill, the undemocratic coalition turned its back on the earnest call for the preservation of single-parent families' lifelines. (end)