public policy - The Latremie Post

One In Seven Workers In Japan Fall Into The Underclass

Waseda University Professor Hashimoto of the Faculty of Human Sciences has categorized modern Japanese society into five classes, identifying non-regular workers (excluding part-time housewives) as the underclass. This group numbers approximately 8.9 million, representing roughly one in seven of the employed population.

The average annual income of this underclass is around 2 million yen. Moreover, more than 70% of men within this group remain unmarried, largely due to their inability to support household formation and child-rearing.

One significant factor contributing to the rise of this underclass is corporate labor practices. From fiscal 2014 to 2024, Japanese companies significantly increased their retained earnings; however, wages have remained largely flat. Over the past two decades, non-regular employees have earned only 60% to 70% of the wages of regular employees, with little indication that this gap is narrowing.

The growth of lower-paid non-regular positions has entrenched economic insecurity among workers. This situation discourages consumption and child-rearing, and it fuels educational disparities that could undermine Japan’s competitiveness and long-term economic growth.

To address these challenges and close such divides, companies are being urged to adopt inclusive management practices that leave no one behind. Improving conditions for non-regular workers is essential. Additionally, strengthening the potential of mid-career hires from the so-called “employment ice age” generation and senior workers is critical.

Encouragingly, some companies have already begun making meaningful changes. For example:

– **Aeon Retail** has introduced new leadership positions for non-regular staff and offers bonuses, regional allowances, and retirement benefits equivalent to those of full-time employees on an hourly basis.

– **Security firm ALSOK Saitama** has raised the maximum hiring age for full-time employees to 59, thereby creating more opportunities for older workers.

– **NGK Insulators** is tying senior employees’ wages to clear performance standards, enabling them to earn pay levels comparable to those of active managers.

These initiatives represent important steps toward fostering a more inclusive and sustainable workforce in Japan’s evolving labor market.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/147033.php

Can the U.S. handle a 28 Years Later-style outbreak?

We asked Jodie Comer and Aaron Taylor-Johnson if the U.S. is ready for an infected outbreak like the one that has swept through Britain in *28 Days Later* and *28 Years Later*.

Their insights shed light on the challenges and realities of managing such a devastating epidemic, exploring how prepared the American public and healthcare systems truly are to face a similar crisis.
https://www.polygon.com/video/can-the-u-s-handle-a-28-years-later-style-outbreak/

California bill would provide support services to Native American families, reduce foster care

**California Legislature Passes Bipartisan Bill to Support Native American Families and Prevent Foster Care Placements**

SACRAMENTO — A bipartisan bill aimed at ensuring Native American children and families receive culturally appropriate support services to prevent foster care placements passed the California Legislature last week. If signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, Assembly Bill 1378 (AB 1378) would amend state law to allow tribes and tribal organizations to partner directly with the California Department of Social Services, providing services designed to keep children safely at home and out of foster care.

Currently, while tribes and tribal organizations can access foster care, adoption, and guardianship services, most preventive services—such as legal assistance and family counseling—are only available through nontribal organizations. These organizations often lack the cultural competence necessary to respect each tribe’s unique practices and sovereignty.

AB 1378 seeks to change that by granting tribes and tribal organizations the ability to receive direct services and funding without going through an intermediary. The legislation comes in response to the disproportionate rates at which tribal children enter foster care.

“Native American children in California are placed in foster care at about four times the rate of other children,” said Assemblymember Chris Rogers (D-Santa Rosa), the bill’s author. Multiple factors contribute to this overrepresentation, including poverty, substance use disorders, historical trauma, systemic bias, and bureaucratic hurdles that make it difficult for tribes to access preventive services.

“When we invest in culturally appropriate services, we strengthen families and avoid the trauma of separation,” Rogers added. “AB 1378 will ensure tribes can directly access the same prevention program funding that is available to counties and other service providers. This is a critical step toward equity and better outcomes for tribal youth.”

The bill was co-authored by several legislators, including Bay Area Assemblymembers Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters) and Patrick Ahern (D-Sunnyvale), as well as Senator Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park).

**Expanded Services for Tribal Families**

AB 1378 would improve tribal access to a range of services, including mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and parenting education. It would also provide funding for legal representation, ensuring that families and children receive appropriate counsel in court.

In addition, tribes could receive capacity-building support to establish prevention programs, train social workers, and obtain technical assistance for data collection and reporting.

Gov. Newsom has until October 13 to sign AB 1378 into law.

*This story was originally published by The Mendocino Voice and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press.*
https://timesofsandiego.com/politics/2025/09/18/california-bill-native-american-support-services/

Taxpayers’ Money Must Be Used Wisely: Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana

**Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee Holds Inaugural Meeting**

The Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) convened its first meeting in Lucknow on Thursday. Addressing the session, Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana emphasized the importance of the committee’s role in strengthening democracy and serving the public interest.

Mahana highlighted that the committee comprises experienced legislators whose skills are vital for ensuring constitutional accountability. “India’s democratic system is rooted in constitutional accountability and sustained by taxpayers’ contributions,” he stated. The Speaker stressed the responsibility of elected representatives to ensure the proper utilization of public funds, particularly those collected from poor taxpayers.

Describing the PAC as one of the most crucial legislative bodies, Mahana underlined that no development or governance is possible without financial discipline. He urged committee members to engage in serious discussions on public welfare issues. For first-time members, the Speaker advised learning from senior colleagues to improve the committee’s effectiveness.

Newly elected PAC Chair Mahboob Ali expressed his gratitude to the Speaker, calling the meeting historic. He expressed confidence that Mahana’s guidance will continue to strengthen the committee’s functioning.

Senior legislators Om Prakash Singh and Saurabh Srivastava also praised the Speaker for his efforts in enhancing the dignity of the Assembly.

Nearly all committee members attended the meeting, along with senior officials including Assembly Secretary Pradeep Kumar Dubey, highlighting the importance of this crucial gathering.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/uttar-pradesh/taxpayers-money-must-be-used-wisely-uttar-pradesh-assembly-speaker-satish-mahana