Chen Chieh-ju (born 1944)

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In this Chinese name, the family name is Chen.
For other people named Chen Chieh-ju, see Chen Chieh-ju (disambiguation).
Chen Chieh-ju
MLY
陳節如
Member of the Legislative Yuan
In office
1 February 2008 – 31 January 2016
ConstituencyRepublic of China
Personal details
Born (1944-03-03) 3 March 1944 (age 80)
Giran, Taihoku Prefecture, Japanese Taiwan (present-day Yilan City, Taiwan)
NationalityTaiwanese
Political partyDemocratic Progressive Party
Alma materNational Taiwan Normal University
Professionpolitician

Chen Chieh-ju (Chinese: 陳節如; born 3 March 1944) is a Taiwanese disability rights activist and politician who served in the Legislative Yuan from 2008 to 2016 as a member of the Democratic Progressive Party.

Early life and education[edit]

Chen attended National Lanyang Girls' Senior High School [zh] in Yilan and later earned a bachelor's degree in English from National Taiwan Normal University.[1][2]

Activism[edit]

Chen has served the Parents' Association for Persons with Intellectual Disability as chairperson.[3] The group has partnered with other organizations to run a charity car wash staffed by people with disabilities.[4] In 2003, Chen stated that she would not oppose permitting sighted, licensed masseuses to operate as long as blind masseuses continued receiving strong legal protections.[5] She personally criticized students who protested against Chen Shui-bian's reelection as president in 2004, commenting, "There is no meaning in their protest. If they want to talk, they should be out there talking about issues relating to them. Why are their demands the same as the pro-blue camp's?"[6] In 2006, she voiced opposition to revisions of the National Pension Draft Law, stating that pensions should be collected based on a person's ability to work, not the severity of their disability.[7] Later that year, she blamed legislator Lin Yi-shih for stripping funding from the community healthcare system, which caused many hospitals' developmental delay assessment units to close.[8]

Political career[edit]

In 2007, Chen was ranked first on the Democratic Progressive Party list and subsequently won election to the Legislative Yuan.[9]

In April 2008, Chen opposed an amendment to the Statute Governing Public Welfare Lotteries that reclassified sports lotteries as a subset of public welfare lotteries while mandating that eighty percent of the funds raised be earmarked for sports, and twenty percent for social welfare initiatives.[10] Chen stated in December 2008 while discussing revisions to the Assembly and Parade Act that she preferred notice of a gathering be given to law enforcement on a voluntary basis.[11] She expressed support for Chen Shui-bian in January 2009, while he was imprisoned on corruption charges.[12] Later that month, Chen Chieh-ju described the Ministry of the Interior led by Liao Liou-yi as "the ministry of handing out money...carelessly" after it was reported that vouchers worth NT$11 million had been misplaced.[13] By January 2009, Chen was highly ranked by the Citizen Congress Watch, a watchdog organization.[14] In March, she pushed the Ma Ying-jeou administration to extend unemployment benefits to a full year.[15] In April 2009, Chen coauthored an amendment to the Civil Code permitting divorce proceedings to begin via mediation.[16] She later called for legal amendments permitting community members to report cases of child abuse, a responsibility otherwise delegated to police, teachers, medical personnel, and social workers.[17] In September, Chen spoke out against the establishments of casinos in Penghu, disputing the county government's claim that launching a casino operation would help the local economy, providing 25,000 jobs and 5 million visitors annually.[18]

In 2010, Chen proposed raising compensation for people who had died from the use of a H1N1 vaccine developed by Adimmune Corporation to NT$12 million, after the Centers for Disease Control had already announced a raise to NT$6 million from NT$2 million.[19] She expressed reservations about a proposal by the Ministry of the Interior in October that sought to allow absentee voting in Taiwanese elections starting in 2012, believing that the plan had not done enough to ensure against the tampering of ballots.[20] She praised the passage of amendments to the Social Assistance Act in December, stating that the revisions brought Taiwan in line with other regions in considering edibility of low-income households for government subsidies.[21] In March 2011, Chen and fellow legislator Yu Jane-daw called on the Executive Yuan to suspend mayor Jason Hu after a fatal fire at ALA Pub in Taichung, which premier Wu Den-yih refused to do.[22] In April, a month after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster had occurred, Chen derided the Red Cross Society of the Republic of China for its hesitation in offering aid,[23] and the Atomic Energy Council for its technological ability to detect nuclear radiation.[24] Near the end of her first term, Chen proposed an amendment to the Consumer Debt Clearance Act, which sought to simplify the process for debt settlement.[25][26] She helped pass revisions to the Equalization of Land Rights Act, remarking "Transparency in the real-estate market is the most basic request of consumers" in support of the changes.[27] Chen pushed for the status of people with HIV/AIDS to be registered at the Centers for Disease Control, opposing efforts to list that information directly on national health insurance cards.[28] The Citizen Congress Watch again ranked Chen one of the best lawmakers at the end of her first term in office.[29]

In June 2011, the Democratic Progressive Party finalized the list of legislative candidates contesting at large seats.[30][31] Chen was ranked first for the second consecutive election cycle, and retained her seat on the Legislative Yuan.[32] Shortly after her reelection in January 2012, Chen filed a lawsuit against Hu Wei-jen and Chang Ji-ping, accusing the pair of spying on DPP presidential candidate Tsai Ing-wen.[33] Later that year, she objected to a levy raising premiums on national health insurance and criticized an amendment to the Medical Care Act protecting medical professionals from malpractice lawsuits.[34][35] In 2013, Chen proposed a revision to the Nuclear Reactor Facilities Control Act mandating a local referendum be held wherever a new nuclear plant was to begin operation.[36] She opposed a second bill intended to legalize gambling, this time on the outlying island of Matsu.[37][38] Throughout the year, Chen reported on various medical issues, drawing attention to drugs that were manufactured with misleading authorizations,[39] as well as long-term elder care.[40][41] In 2014, she backed calls to help the elderly find adequate housing,[42] eventually proposing related revisions to the Senior Citizens’ Welfare Act in 2015.[43] That June, she helped revise the Income Tax Act, turning profits from housing sales into taxable income.[44]

Political stances[edit]

As a lawmaker, Chen continued advocating for the rights of the disabled.[45][46][47] In addition, Chen repeatedly denounced the use of excessive force by law enforcement personnel.[48][49] She has attended multiple rallies commemorating the 1959 Tibetan uprising,[50][51] and supported calls to extend right of residency to Tibetans married to Taiwanese nationals.[52] In 2009, Chen opposed offering insurance to foreign elder caregivers, fearing that domestic caregivers would lose their jobs.[53] She later rejected a 2011 appeal to extend the duration for which foreign caretakers are permitted to stay in Taiwan, favoring changes to legislation standardizing long-term care instead.[54] In 2015, Chen submitted a motion to the Social Welfare and Environmental Hygiene Committee of the Legislative Yuan that would bar rich families from hiring foreign caretakers.[55]

Personal[edit]

Chen's son has developmental and physical disabilities.[54][56][57][58]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Chen Chiech-ju (7)". Legislative Yuan. Retrieved 12 August 2017.
  2. ^ "Chen Chiech-ju (8)". Legislative Yuan. Retrieved 12 August 2017.
  3. ^ Yu, Sen-lun (24 October 1999). "Charity carwash rape victims will resume their jobs". Taipei Times. Retrieved 12 August 2017.
  4. ^ Chu, Monique (17 October 1999). "The handicapped make a splash by washing cars". Taipei Times. Retrieved 12 August 2017.
  5. ^ Wu, Debby (19 October 2003). "Blind masseurs get fashionable image". Taipei Times. Retrieved 12 August 2017.
  6. ^ Hong, Caroline (10 April 2004). "Welfare groups slam politicians". Taipei Times. Retrieved 12 August 2017.
  7. ^ Lin, Jean (28 January 2006). "Civic groups decry latest version of pension law". Taipei Times. Retrieved 12 August 2017.
  8. ^ Shan, Shelley (1 May 2006). "Budget cut affecting slow learners". Taipei Times. Retrieved 12 August 2017.
  9. ^ "Chen plugs policy". Taipei Times. 20 November 2007. Retrieved 12 August 2017.
  10. ^ Shan, Shelley (28 April 2008). "Amendment to welfare lottery statute under fire". Taipei Times. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  11. ^ Loa, Iok-sin (25 December 2008). "Assembly & Parade Act passes review despite differences". Taipei Times. Retrieved 12 August 2017.
  12. ^ Chuang, Jimmy; Ko, Shu-ling; Chang, Rich (8 January 2009). "Court turns down appeal against Chen's detention". Taipei Times. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  13. ^ Loa, Iok-sin (22 January 2009). "Premier Liu backs Liao over vouchers". Taipei Times. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  14. ^ Loa, Iok-sin (2 March 2009). "Citizen Congress Watch praises progress". Taipei Times. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  15. ^ Huang, Shelley; Chang, Rich (3 March 2009). "Number of people on jobless benefits hits new high". Taipei Times. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  16. ^ Ko, Shu-ling (2 April 2009). "Legislators mulling new divorce option". Taipei Times. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  17. ^ Hsu, Jenny W.; Wang, Flora; Loa, Iok-sin (23 April 2009). "Father accused of killing daughter with broomstick". Taipei Times. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  18. ^ Loa, Iok-sin; Huang, Shelley (22 September 2009). "DPP urges Penghu vote 'no' to casinos". Taipei Times. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  19. ^ Shan, Shelley (1 January 2010). "Lawmakers to increase pay for vaccine deaths". Taipei Times. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  20. ^ Loa, Iok-sin; Chao, Vincent Y. (1 October 2010). "Government planning to allow absentee voting in 2012". Taipei Times. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  21. ^ "Legislative Yuan amends the Social Assistance Act". Taipei Times. 11 December 2010. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  22. ^ Shih, Hsiu-chuan (9 March 2011). "Premier refuses to suspend Hu over blaze". Taipei Times. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  23. ^ Loa, Iok-sin (12 April 2011). "Red Cross Society of the ROC panned for fund delay". Taipei Times. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  24. ^ Huang, Shelley; Shih, Hsiu-chuan (1 April 2011). "Officials under fire over radiation". Taipei Times. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  25. ^ Shih, Hsiu-chuan (13 December 2011). "Legislative Yuan passes Family Proceedings Act". Taipei Times. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  26. ^ "Lawyer urges revision of law on debt". Taipei Times. 23 October 2011. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  27. ^ Shih, Hsiu-chuan (14 December 2011). "Legislators amend property laws in bid to stop speculation". Taipei Times. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  28. ^ "Reaction mixed to placing HIV/AIDS status on cards". Taipei Times. 31 August 2011. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  29. ^ Tseng, Wei-chen (12 February 2012). "Legislature went out with whimper". Taipei Times. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  30. ^ Chao, Vincent Y. (27 June 2011). "DPP ready to finalize list of legislator-at-large hopefuls". Taipei Times. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  31. ^ Chao, Vincent Y. (30 June 2011). "DPP releases legislator-at-large roster". Taipei Times. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  32. ^ Chao, Vincent Y. (11 July 2011). "DPP's legislator-at-large list is final: Tsai Ing-wen". Taipei Times. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  33. ^ Wang, Chris (4 January 2012). "2012 ELECTIONS: DPP files charges over spying claims". Taipei Times. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  34. ^ Wang, Chris (4 October 2012). "DPP dismisses new health system levy, suggests alternative". Taipei Times. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  35. ^ Lee, I-chia (20 December 2012). "Medical Care Act amendment panned for favoring doctors". Taipei Times. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  36. ^ Lee, I-chia (12 March 2013). "Atomic agency, KMT say DPP amendment plan 'inappropriate'". Taipei Times. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  37. ^ Wang, Chris (23 April 2013). "DPP legislator concerned about Matsu gaming draft". Taipei Times. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  38. ^ Shan, Shelley (6 December 2013). "Casino legislation review put on hold". Taipei Times. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  39. ^ Hsiao, Alison (31 August 2013). "Drug firms using public as 'guinea pigs': activist". Taipei Times. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  40. ^ Hsiao, Alison (23 March 2013). "Alzheimer's group calls for action as crisis looms". Taipei Times. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  41. ^ Hsiao, Alison (26 March 2013). "LTC plan behind schedule, not doing well, legislators say". Taipei Times. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  42. ^ Loa, Iok-sin (11 September 2014). "Help elderly on housing: groups". Taipei Times. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  43. ^ Chung, Jake (21 November 2015). "Lawmakers pass welfare bills". Taipei Times. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  44. ^ Hsiao, Alison (6 June 2015). "Tax reforms passed by lawmakers". Taipei Times. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  45. ^ Loa, Iok-sin (22 November 2008). "Masseurs protest court ruling". Taipei Times. Retrieved 12 August 2017.
  46. ^ Hsiao, Alison (7 October 2013). "Psychiatric institution abuse revealed by video". Taipei Times. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  47. ^ Loa, Iok-sin (27 December 2008). "Welfare groups seek help as downturn hits hard". Taipei Times. Retrieved 12 August 2017.
  48. ^ Loa, Iok-sin (11 November 2008). "Interior, NPA chiefs grilled over police acts". Taipei Times. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  49. ^ Liu, Chih-yuan; Yao, Yueh-hung; Chao, Vincent Y. (6 April 2010). "Court rescinds fine, slams censorship". Taipei Times. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  50. ^ Loa, Iok-sin (11 March 2013). "Tibetans remember 1959 uprising". Taipei Times. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  51. ^ Loa, Iok-sin (11 March 2012). "Hundreds commemorate Tibetan uprising of 1959". Taipei Times. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  52. ^ "Tibetan spouses call on government to grant right of abode". Taipei Times. 21 May 2012. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  53. ^ Huang, Shelley (24 March 2009). "Legislators criticize plan to provide care insurance". Taipei Times. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  54. ^ a b Chao, Vincent Y. (5 January 2011). "Caregivers bill revision stalls". Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  55. ^ Lii Wen (16 April 2015). "Wealth cap on hiring difficult to implement: ministry". Taipei Times. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  56. ^ Ko, Shu-ling (16 May 2000). "Legislator calls for probe into mental patient abuse". Taipei Times. Retrieved 12 August 2017.
  57. ^ Lin, Jean (13 January 2006). "Groups call for support for parents of the disabled". Taipei Times. Retrieved 12 August 2017.
  58. ^ Loa, Iok-sin (19 August 2010). "Groups call for improved accessibility for disabled". Taipei Times. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
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