Chen Pin-an Claims Childbirth Policy Adopted; Chung Tung-chin Says 'Not Only One Person Proposed It'

(Central News Agency reporter Guan Ruiping, Miaoli County, 8th) Democratic Progressive Party Miaoli County magistrate candidate and county councilor Chen Pin-an said in an interview today that her proposed childbirth subsidy policy was adopted by the county government, stating, "Chung Tung-chin is also implementing my policy." In response, incumbent magistrate Chung Tung-chin, who is seeking re-election, said there are many ways to encourage childbirth, and "it was absolutely not proposed by just one person."

Chen Pin-an appeared today on the program "News Firecrackers" on Formosa Radio Network, hosted by Chou Yu-kou, to discuss childbirth subsidies. She pointed out that in the face of the declining birthrate challenge, the government must take more proactive measures. Therefore, she took the lead in proposing an enhanced childbirth subsidy plan, which includes a cash subsidy of NT$50,000 for the second child. She noted that Miaoli County Magistrate Chung Tung-chin has announced he will follow suit, and she welcomes the adoption of her policy.

After the interview, Chen issued a press release stating that the value of running for office is not just about winning, but more importantly, about guiding public discussion and promoting Miaoli's development through concrete policies. She said that the fact "Chung Tung-chin is also implementing my policy" proves that good policies have feasibility and public support, and demonstrates that her candidacy is driving progress in Miaoli.

In response, Chung said in an interview that regarding the increase in childbirth subsidies, the county government's Civil Affairs Department originally proposed NT$20,000 for the first child and NT$30,000 for the second child and above. He believed that NT$30,000 was not much different, and after assessing the financial situation, he decided to increase the subsidy for the second child to NT$50,000. However, he emphasized that money is not the best method for childcare policy, and that there must be sufficient public daycare centers and kindergartens.

Chung said there are many ways to encourage childbirth, and "it was absolutely not proposed by just one person." He noted that many councilors and local residents give him valuable advice, and he thinks about it every day. For example, he mentioned using job incentives, such as requiring potential school principals to have two children, unless they can prove infertility. "After all, civil servants have good genes; this is eugenics," he said, adding that these are all ideas worth considering. (Editor: Lin Shuhui) 1150608