Comparing to Trump Accounts, Lai Ching-te Says "0-18 Growth Allowance" Cares for Every Child

Taipei, Jul. 1 (CNA) -- President Lai Ching-te, concurrently chairman of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), said Tuesday that Taiwan is the first country to implement a "0-18 Growth Allowance" policy. Compared to the U.S. "Trump Accounts" which provide a one-time $1,000 grant, the "0-18 Growth Allowance" is not limited to children born during his term, but rather ensures every child receives government care, making Taiwan great.

The DPP held a press conference Tuesday to announce its "Good Life Taiwan" platform and joint policy proposals for the 2026 local elections. Lai, along with DPP Secretary-General Hsu Chih-jung, caucus whip Ker Chien-ming, Policy Committee Executive Director Wu Szu-yao, and Deputy Executive Director Lee Chun-yi, attended the event.

In his address, Lai stated that the DPP has nominated 19 candidates for county and city magistrate positions in the year-end elections. He described them as outstanding individuals with professional expertise and rich experience, emphasizing the party's commitment to nominating talented individuals to collaborate with citizens in building a better future and nurturing a new generation to lead Taiwan into a new era.

Lai announced that the joint policy proposals for the year-end elections, titled "Good Life Taiwan," aim to ensure that everyone in Taiwan, regardless of gender, age, region, race, wealth, or social status, can live freely and comfortably under DPP governance.

He elaborated on three significant meanings behind the "Good Life Taiwan" platform. First, the benefits of economic development and AI should be shared by the people. Second, a welfare state has always been a fundamental tenet of the DPP since its founding. Therefore, over the past decade since former President Tsai Ing-wen's administration, the government has expanded social investment, gradually moving towards the goal of a welfare state, with the hope that under DPP leadership, young people can see hope, adults can realize their dreams, the elderly can live happily, and the disadvantaged can receive care.

Lai added that the DPP's direction aligns with the spirit of the "Book of Great Harmony" (禮運大同篇), which states: "The old people are not the only ones to be loved by their parents, nor the only ones to be loved by their children. The old people, when infirm, are to be provided for. The men, when able to serve, are to be employed in public service. The young, when growing up, are to be educated. The widowers, the widows, the orphans, the childless, the disabled, and the sick are all to be supported."

Regarding the third significant meaning, Lai specifically highlighted the "0-18 Growth Allowance" from the joint policy proposals.

Lai emphasized that Taiwan is the first country in the world to implement such a policy. He contrasted it with U.S. President Trump's "Trump Accounts," which were limited to children born during Trump's four-year term and provided a one-time grant of $1,000 per account. In contrast, the current "0-18 Growth Allowance" is available to all children aged 0 to 18, regardless of whether they were born during his term, Tsai Ing-wen's term, former President Ma Ying-jeou's term, or even during the term of a future president after his own tenure.

Lai stressed that this signifies Taiwan entering a new era where economic growth is used to supplement what is lacking and gradually move towards a welfare state. He reiterated that every child will receive government care, enabling them to pursue their dreams and making Taiwan great. (Edited by Hsieh Chia-chen) 0701