In November, groups hoping for the repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy were disappointed when the Senate Armed Services indefinitely postponed a long awaited hearing on the matter. However, the issue was moved to the forefront during the State of the Union speech, when President Obama uttered the words, “This year, I will work with Congress and our military to finally repeal the law that denies... 

First Lady Michelle Obama has made military families a priority throughout her time in the White House. First, she thanked veterans and their families privately for their contributions. Then, she publicly stated her support alongside Dr. Jill Biden at the 2009 World Series. Now, she has delivered the most meaningful contribution of all: a promise of funding. According to Mrs. Obama, a three percent increase in funding... 

In October, Representative Barbara Lee (CA-9) introduced H.R. 3699, a bill to prohibit any funds being expended to increase the number of members of the United States armed forces serving in Afghanistan. The bill currently has 27 cosponsors and has been referred to the House Committee on Armed Forces. Rep. Lee, a social worker, was the only opponent to George W. Bush’s War Resolution in 2002 by introducing House Concurrent... 

Recognizing the impact of the economic recession on working families, President Obama and Vice President Biden held a meeting of the Middle Class Task Force on January 25, 2010 to discuss ways to reduce the financial burden for this group and increase investments for them. Over the past year, the Task Force has held several meetings on this topic and their recommendations include the following: 1. An increased Child and... 

NASW encourages you to watch the State of the Union Address on Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at 9pm EST. The speech will provide you with information about the President’s agenda for 2010.  What will he say about health care reform, education, the economy and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan?  Will he mention immigration reform?   How will his agenda affect your social work practice?  Here is information about how... 

On Thursday, January 21, the Supreme Court handed down its decision in the case of Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. In essence, this decision holds that corporations and unions may spend money from their general funds on political and campaign activities. We are presently analyzing the impact of this decision on NASW and PACE, and will provide you with more information as soon as possible.  Read More →

Democrats Regroup on Strategy for Health Care Reform Democratic congressional leaders are currently developing a new strategy to pass health care reform after the stunning loss of a Senate seat in Massachusetts. Although their new strategy will be finalized after some days have elapsed and is not yet final, several conclusions are apparent from their public comments. First, Democrats fear that failing to enact the... 

Background The nation’s child protection system is stretched too thin. From 2001-2007, 10,440 children died at the hands of their caretakers. In fact, there was a 35 percent increase in child maltreatment deaths during 2001-2007.  Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of the many who have worked countless hours addressing child maltreatment, the U.S. continues to fall short of protecting its youngest citizens.... 

Social Work Reinvestment The Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Social Work Reinvestment Act continues to be a major focus of NASW. The bill currently has 80 House cosponsors and 11 Senate cosponsors and we need your help to secure more! Contact your Senators and Representative today in support of this important bill. NASW is working with the House Committee on Education and Labor to promote support with all... 

National Association of Social Workers Celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service NASW Encourages Mental Health Providers to Give an Hour to Serve Veterans NASW joins the nation in honoring the ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through a national day of service. In response to the Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) conflicts, NASW encourages all licensed mental health providers...