ニュース 2010/04/02 First meeting of people’s livelihoods study group held On April 2, the first meeting of the Manifesto study group on the topic of people’s livelihoods was held. The members of the group, consisting of DPJ Diet members from both houses, met together to discuss policies toward the creation of a Manifesto for the House of Councillors Election. The basis for discussion were the “Detailed Policies” set forth in the Manifesto for the 2009 general election for the House of Representatives, and the results of the discussions are to be submitted to the Manifesto Planning Committee. The study group is to be responsible for discussing policies and related fiscal measures for the fields of pensions, medical care, long-term care, childrearing, education, culture, sports, employment, consumer issues, and human rights. At the start of the meeting, study group Secretary General Tatsuo Hirano introduced Chair Kansei Nakano, who addressed the meeting, saying, “The DPJ has fought a whole variety of campaigns under the banner of the catchphrase “Putting People’s Lives First”. As a result of this, we have succeeded in bringing about a change of government. Consequently, the livelihoods of the people are the main theme, the mission of the DPJ. On this occasion, as we create a Manifesto targeting the House of Councillors election, the suggestions of this study group, will form the core of this process. [Our suggestions] will be transmitted to the people via the DPJ, increasing their level of contentment. I would like you to have confidence in the fact that we hold the key to this process, and to do our best to achieve results.” With regard to future proceedings, it was announced that the members would be divided into three sub-groups to consider specific issues. Furthermore, it was explained that the study group would create their proposal for the relevant portions of the Manifesto and submit it to the Manifesto Planning Committee by May 10.