In this study, the characteristics of the policy process in the establishment of “Resource room for children with speech and language disorders” were clarified by focusing on policy actors from the viewpoint of the issue network. As a result, an issue network centered on mayors, legislators, and parents’ association guardians was confirmed for policy-making related to the establishment of “Resource room for children with speech and language disorders” under the educational administration and facilities under the welfare administration. At that time, the use of knowledge resources associated with the knowledge transfer was one of the driving forces in the collaboration for wide area local government.

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[in Japanese]

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, cash benefits were provided to restaurant workers to offset operation closures or reduced hours. These benefits were taxable, leading to increased tax and insurance payments and medical out-of-pocket expenses in the subsequent year for low-income individuals. Because their income remained low after the benefits end, they experienced financial hardship and turned to the free/low-cost medical care program (FLCMC) for essential medical services. Based on the cases that applied FLCMC, we identified certain critical considerations when providing taxable benefits to low-income individuals in the future.

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