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Post by Githoniel on May 25, 2015 4:41:35 GMT -5
So, to get things started, we'll go with a fairly simple challenge. For your response, feel free to reply as your nation's head of state acting IC, or a communique, or anyone else that might be appropriate to the challenge!
Your nation's census bureau or equivalent agency has come to a startling conclusion over the last three years. The birth rate of the ethnic majority in your nation has declined rapidly, and is now in a state of decline. They are unsure why - the same dip has not occurred to other ethnic or racial groups living in your country. How does your nation respond and/or seek to understand why?
Keep in mind that, generally speaking, nations are invested in having a strong positive birthrate for two primary reasons: 1. more taxpayers and 2. more potential soldiers. Outside of pure government, this could also have financial, social, and cultural repercussions. Feel free to focus on any or all of these in your reply!
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Post by Ventalia on May 27, 2015 20:00:13 GMT -5
(ooc: I'll get the ball rolling with two responses in one, the first from Hinnom Valley in the style of a news bulletin, the second an internal email from Ventalia with policy recommendations which is much longer.)
Hinnom Valley
Colonial Times, May 27 2015
The Colonial Authority of The Hinnom Valley announced new measures today to combat falling birth rates. Among the new measures, administrators are placing taxes on contraceptive devices and medications, outlawing abortions for adults, and providing free fertility treatment. Colonial citizen status will also be automatically awarded to any immigrant families with two or more children.
Mothers will also receive 500 libra (NS$156) in cash for every newborn and will be entered into a new monthly birth lottery with a grand prize of 100,000 libra.
Administrators cite their colonial mandate to maintain Ventalia's claim over the valley as reason to implement the measures. The Colonial Authority is tasked with encouraging settlement and growth in its colonial charter and administrators fear falling birth rates threaten the colony.
Ventalia
INTERNAL DOCUMENT RELEASED FOR PUBLIC REVIEW; ACCESS TO INFORMATION PROTOCOL REQUEST 2015-568; ORIGINAL MIN.: STATISTICS VENTALIA - ECONOMIC INDICATORS BUREAU ORIGINAL DESTIN.: STATS VENTALIA DIRECTOR GENERAL COMMITTEE (DGC); ORIGINAL SENDER: AURELIE LECLERC, ES-05; ORIGINAL FORMAT: EMAIL;
ATIP 2015-568 READS AS FOLLOWS:
To my DGC Colleagues,
It may come as no surprise that Ventalia's native fertility rate has fallen over the last census period, as many analysts have both predicted and analytically confirmed a decline. The real surprise is the enormity of the drop, to a record low of 1.88 for 2012-2014 from the previous 2.01 for 2010-2012. The average family size is 2.3 for native Ventalians and 4.4 for immigrants; citizens of Ventalian origin are simply having fewer children than recent immigrants or first-generation citizens. The socio-economic reasons outlined in the Report on Families 2015 include work obligations, high property/mortgage expenses, and the generally high cost of rearing children as major impediments to larger family sizes.
This has major economic implications. The threat of population decline, a smaller workforce, and a smaller tax base have been researched by my Bureau. While Ventalia's liberal immigration and refugee programs have largely offset the native decrease through increased immigration, immigrant families do not enjoy the high incomes of native families and may have unrecognized educational backgrounds, limiting their access to high-paying jobs. Indeed, the average income of a Ventalian native is around 180 thousand libra (roughly NS$56,000), almost four times that of an immigrant of less than 2 years and double that of a permanent resident/citizens of 5 to 7 years.
Widespread use and availability of contraceptives creates an easy means to control family size, and native Ventalians do not see contraceptives as taboo whereas immigrant families typically do. Meagre child/family benefits despite relatively high income tax rates and an explosive property market discourage young families from having children, who may delay until their mortgage debts are reduced and wages are higher. This delay reduces the likelihood of bearing multiple children as mothers are now comparatively older. Immigrant families, on the other hand, see large families as a form of economic security and are more inclined to procreate.
The current maternity leave of 6 months is also to blame. This leave is entirely government funded and pays mothers between minimum-wage up to of 1/2 the mother's wage rate/salary. This program does not extend to fathers. On a positive note, firing or reduced work hours by employers in anticipation of maternity leave is illegal.
As such, I ask the DGC to consider making the following recommendations to the Minister of Statistics to table at the next Cabinet Meeting:
- End subsidies of contraceptive devices and medications in general, except to schools and health centers primarily serving teenagers and adults in college/university/trade schools.
- Increase maternity leave to a full year and increase maximum payments to 100% of the mother's wage/salary, to be funded three-quarters by government and one quarter by employer.
- Institute a system of paternity leave equivalent to maternity leave.
- Introduce a family tax credit for newborns.
- Maintain funding to socialized/public daycare, change rates to be proportional to the parents' income instead of a high flat rate.
- Create a private daycare tax credit.
- Change the immigration certification process to better recognize immigrants with higher education credentials, allowing access to better-paying and relevant jobs.
- Introduce a fast-track refugee job process to increase the labour pool.
- Reduce welfare payments to refugee families to encourage job uptake.
- Lowering effective income tax rates either through outright tax cuts or increased tax rebates. With government expenditure around 20% of GDP an average income tax rate closer to 40%, budget surpluses actually have a drag on the economy (see the Budget Multipliers Analysis section of the 2015 Budget).
Regards,
Aurelie Leclerc
Director General, Economic Indicators Bureau
Baron Adam de Vignoble Building, 105 rue Williams, Bastia CM-52[PHONE AND FAX NUMBERS REDACTED] |
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Post by Raijinshi on May 28, 2015 9:42:41 GMT -5
Lunar times newspaper
Declining birthrates in the nation!?
Death rates to exceed birthrates?
Author- Thomas Sonte
Recent census reports show that, though still possitive the Raijinshi birth rates are dangerously low. Though never very high, the birth rates have had a concerning drop from 2.39 to 2.07 per couple in the past two years. The nation is nearing stagnation, a very worryinf thought. An interview with the chief of internal affairs, Jefferson Frols, reveals the goverments intended response to this issue.
"This is a very concerning issue we have at hand. Though we havent ever been a nation with a large birth rate, this exceptionally low birth rate is definately becoming a national issue. Though I can't say everything at this time due to some aspects being unconfirmed or undecides thus far, I can assure you that our goverment is beggining to take steps in remedying the issue. By august any new plans shall be fully implemented into society, and hopefully that will restore and possibly surpass the past birth rate. Be at ease, friend, we're working on it, tell the public that." -Jefferson Frols, chief of internal affairs.
And that, people of Raijinshi, concludes my article today. We hope that whatever our friend Mr. Frols and his colleague decide on, you will happily accept. Thank you, and have a good day Raijinshi!
Signed- Thomas Sonte
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Post by aszakaeria on May 28, 2015 23:03:54 GMT -5
Ministry of Internal Affairs
Seredona, Aszakaeria
As per urgent request by the Azkurai the assorted heads of the various ministries have assembled in the Internal Affairs building in Seredona to discuss the decline in native population. The ministry itself was off limits to all news agencies, reporters, protesters, and the sort. The outside barrier was flanked by riot gear equipped police officers, while the interior was guarded by Velerow Guard in traditional garb, which consisted of plate armor chest plates, shin guards and boots, armor plated gloves and arm guards, and steel helmets engraved with gold designs of the wearers family crest or personally assigned animal with the Aszakaerian Eagle prominently displayed in the center of the helm. The helm left the whole face covered except for the eyes. This followed a traditional display of selflessness and anonymity among the guard.
This heavy guard had been called out following mass displays of racial solidarity and clashing protests within Seredona itself and throughout the nation as a whole. For nearly four centuries the Aszakhan native population had come to dominate the baltic peoples that originally inhabited this region, along with immigrant populaces that came to the nation over its course of history. However a recent report released by the leading nation's foremost controversial newspaper, Khanica, seemed to show an unprecedented decline in citizens who identified themselves as being Aszakhan in origin. Upon public release of this report, despite heavy government persuasion otherwise, several radical Aszakhan Race groups have taken to the streets inciting violence against minorites, likewise minority groups have also taken to the streets in large numbers to counteract the racial assaults. These protesters have gathered outside of the Ministry and though no violence has erupted yet, distinct lines have been drawn between ethnic Aszakhans and minority groups.
Heading this meeting sat Lord Ulman Velerow, the King's youngest and undoubtedly most wisest son, on either side of the table sat the ministers of defense, peace, economy, foreign affairs, internal affairs, transportation, and justice, along with Sir Jurgis Roslov and Master Leonas Tsilimo from the Aszkurai. Ulman stood by the window, monitoring the protests out below. A dispute had begun between the Aszakhans and the minorities, fighting had erupted and the riot police had begun spraying fire hoses into the crowd to disperse the unruly bunch. "Gentlemen, these are troubling times indeed. Never in this great nation's history have the assorted baltics nor the immigrants population increased at a rate near our own, and now they damn near triple it. This fight isn't going to simply burn out, it'll be one fought until the last Aszakhan has died out. I fear we must take drastic measure before this nation descends into into yet another civil conflict."
Several of the ministers nodded in agreement, indeed all of those gathered ministers who identified as Aszakhan agreed with Ulman. However, those who did not shook their heads, rolled their eyes, and even buried their faces in their hands. Finally, the minister of Justice stood to meet Ulman, "Now, I understand that this fighting must cease, but perhaps this decline isn't such a bad thing as everyone makes it out to be. Perhaps its just incorrect data, or just a minor downswing. Either way, there is nothing any of us can do to cease it. Our Constitution expressly forbids interference on any level with the rights of our citizens, born or unborn, and their pursuit of happiness and life, unless you advocate for civil discord our only option is to begin a public campaign of racial comfort and acceptance."
This was a sentiment strongly agreed upon by many of the ministers, even Master Leonas, Chief Senator from the Plebian Council nodded in agreement. However Ulman was quick to retort, "Let us not forget the Spring insurgency fifteen years ago. Do we not remember how long that social discord lasted? Why just last week yet another rebel group with ties to the insurgency staged an assault on the Aszkurai. The people here are strong in their ideals and beliefs. And undoubtedly will fight with every last shred of their being. Perhaps your culture does not teach resilience as strong as ours."
The minister of transportation shot up at this, "Your culture is that of rape and pillage, a culture you brought here from your foreign lands and enslaved us with," Ulman slammed his fists down on the table, the Velerow guard entered and stood by him, "My culture brought you uncivilized pigs to unity and taught you how to keep shit out of your food, you forget yourself minister, now sit back down" the imposing figure of the guards persuaded him to retake his seat, though determined not to be beat he threw papers from his desk in a fit of rage.
"I do not propose ridiculous over stepping legislation, I do not propose extradition or genocide. I merely propose monetary incentive to Aszakhan families for children. Perhaps a yearly pension of 1500 Fretis per child. Strong restrictions on immigration. Maybe even a crackdown on illegal immigrants in the state," Sir Jurgis Roslov and the ministers of defense, foreign affairs, and internal affairs grunted in agreement. Meanwhile the remainder of the group began arguing to the contrary, causing a fierce debate in the room ended only when a chair was briefcase was tossed at Ulman, who quickly sliced it with his saber, "Now that's enough, the lot of you. I'm taking control of this council now. All of you take a recess and get out of my sight," he signaled to the Head guard, who then ordered his troops to grab the ministers and force them from the room.
When all of the ministers had been forcibly ejected the Head guard approached Lord Ulman and removed his helmet. Holding it folded under his arm and clung to his waist, "Hostile takeover of a government sanctioned meeting could find you and the rest of the family ejected from further council mi'lord."
"For the sake of my nation's continued peace and prosperity I will risk my life," Ulman responded, returning his sabre to its sheath.
"As so shall I, where you and yours stand, so too shall our legions bolster you, God save The King," the guard returned his helmet to his head, performed the Royal salute and marched from the room. Leaving Ulman to stand by the window. Watching the Riot police below return to the ministry only to be replace by Velerow guard who began tossing tear gas and turning the hoses into the minority protesters.
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