Recently, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) ruled that contraceptive services must be covered by most forms of insurance without a co-pay or deductible.  Houses of worship are not required to provide birth control in their health coverage. The Obama administration declined the bishops push to exempt religiously affiliated organizations whose primary mission isn’t worship. Now, the Catholic... 

The Violence Against Women Act, or VAWA, has played a crucial role in the lives of women and families since its original passage in 1994.  We have seen both a sharp increase in the reporting of domestic violence, and significant decrease in the number of people harmed by an intimate partner.  Additionally, an increase in legal services has helped women who are victims of domestic violence, and VAWA has resulted in billions... 

Political Climate Now that the calendar has turned to 2012, the upcoming election cycle has begun to gain steam.  The Iowa caucus and the New Hampshire primary are behind us, Republican candidates are looking down the road at the South Carolina primary.  Pieces will begin falling into place as the President continues fundraising, the Republicans move closer to declaring a nominee, and both parties determine their... 

Thirty-nine years ago today, January 22, the United States Supreme Court ruled that a women’s right to chose is protected and guaranteed by the Constitution.   Despite efforts from some state legislatures to introduce and even pass a number of abortion restriction bills, Roe v. Wade remains the law of the land.   Based on the principles of self-determination, human rights and social justice, NASW has long advocated... 

Health Action 2012, the conference for consumer health advocates, will be held at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC from January 19-21, 2012. Health Action 2012 is sponsored by Families USA and NASW has been a regular cosponsor and attendee at the conference. Health Action 2012 will provide advocates from across the country with the knowledge and tools they need to protect, implement, and... 

In late December, Congress passed the payroll tax extension which included a provision to extend Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) through February. Under the measure, TANF is extended at fiscal 2011 levels of $16.5 billion per year. NASW is supporting the RISE Out of Poverty Act (H.R. 3573) which aims to reduce child poverty by permanently authorizing the TANF program as a funding stream for subsidized employment,... 

The House passed legislation (H.R. 3659) that would extend the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program through fiscal 2012. The bill, which passed by voice vote, would place restrictions on how benefits can be used and modifies certain requirements states have to meet when reporting data and administering benefits. The so-called strip club loophole allowed recipients to use benefits at liquor stores, casinos... 

Now you can apply online in Spanish for Social Security Retirement benefits, Medicare, and Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs. Not ready to retire? You can get an estimate of your future retirement benefits in Spanish, too. Check out the new services at Social Security Spanish website, www.segurosocial.gov. It’s so easy.  Read More →

Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction Does Not Reach Agreement The Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, also known as the Super Committee, had a deadline of November 23 to find at least $1.2 trillion in spending cuts or tax revenues over 10 years. They could not reach an agreement. Under the Budget Control Act, if the Joint Select Committee could not reach an agreement automatic cuts would be triggered. ... 

The recent drop in unemployment to 8.6 percent was widely greeted with enthusiasm. However, it is important to note which populations actually comprise that figure. Women who maintain families face unemployment rates over 12 percent, and more than five million women over the age of 20 are unemployed. Duration of unemployment is another key factor, with women under 20 needing roughly ten months to find work while women...