Presidential Race—GOP Primary

Now that several Republican primaries and caucuses have taken place, Mitt Romney has taken a considerable—though not insurmountable—lead over his nearest competitors.  Super Tuesday’s most crucial state was Ohio, which Romney narrowly won.  With Rick Santorum winning three states and coming close in Ohio, along with Newt Gingrich’s victory in Georgia, Romney still has not been able to convince voters or the media that he is the inevitable nominee.

In the latest contests, Santorum won in Alabama and Mississippi and Romney won Hawaii and America Samoa.  Depending on how the next several primaries go, the outcome could still be in question right through the Texas primary in late May.  Texas offers 155 delegates, which are allocated proportionately rather than winner-take-all.

Another interesting component to the electoral landscape is the balance of the U.S. Senate.  With the retirement of Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), who was favored to retain her seat, another competitive race has been launched.  There are several other states with races that are still forming because most Congressional primaries have not yet occurred (with the exception of Ohio).  We are tracking these races, and will keep you up to date with the latest developments as well as through our endorsement process
throughout the summer.

President Obama Releases Federal Budget

On Monday, February 13, President Obama released his fiscal year 2013 budget proposal. It includes $3.67 trillion in new budget authority, a 3.7 percent reduction from 2012 levels. Further, it includes $1.15 trillion
in discretionary spending and $2.27 trillion in mandatory spending. You can find information about the budget on the White House web site. The House is expected to pass a budget, but the Senate will likely not pass a budget. If Congress does not pass a budget resolution, the previous year’s resolution, which is a multi-year plan, stays in effect.

Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 Becomes Law

On February 17, Congress passed the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, H.R. 3630, which includes a provision to extend the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program through September 30, 2012. This was not a clean extension, meaning there were changes to the
program included. Read more on our blog.

In addition, the passage of H.R. 3630 prevented the 27 percent Medicare payment cut.   While this is not the permanent fix that NASW advocated for, it does prevent the cut that was scheduled for March 1. This bill delays the cut until the end of the year.

The bill did not include a provision to cut off taxpaying immigrants from the child tax credit originally introduced by Rep. Sam Johnson (TX- 3). If the policy change approved by lawmakers last December would have become law, it would have stripped an average $1,800 out of the pockets of two million immigrant families, the majority of whom make about $10 an hour.

The bill was signed by the President on February 22.

RAND Releases New Study on the ACA

On February 16, the RAND Corporation released a new study, Effects of Eliminating the Individual
Mandate in the Affordable Care Act.  The study found that eliminating the individual mandate under the Affordable Care Act would not dramatically increase the cost of insurance for individuals and families through the new exchanges. However, the study also found that individual mandate repeal would
result in 12 million fewer people being insured for about the same level of total government spending.  According to the study, “individual mandate contributes to achieving near-universal coverage for all Americans. However, repeal of the mandate would have only modest effects on premium prices for individuals buying insurance through the exchanges, which would not be enough to trigger catastrophic failure of the exchanges”.

Key findings of the study are as follows:

• The number of Americans newly covered under the  Affordable Care Act in 2016 would drop from 27 million to 15 million people if the individual mandate were eliminated. Most of those who would
  forgo health coverage if the individual mandate is eliminated would be  younger. That would leave the insurance exchanges with proportionately  more people purchasing insurance in the older age brackets, where premiums would be higher.
• Eliminating the individual mandate would increase an  individual’s cost of buying insurance through the individual exchanges by  just 2.4 percent–eliminating the individual mandate would sharply  decrease coverage, but it would not send premiums into a spiral that would
  make health insurance unaffordable to those who do not qualify for  government subsidies.
• Total government spending would increase modestly from  $394 billion to $404 billion. Because so many low-income Americans would  forgo coverage in absence of the mandate, government spending for each  newly enrolled person would more than double, from $3,659 rising to
  $7,468.

Through our Legal Defense Fund (LDF), NASW has filed an amicus briefs on the issues of the individual mandate to purchase health insurance and Medicaid expansion.  The read more about NASW LDF, please go to the LDF webpage at: https://www.socialworkers.org/ldf/default.asp

ACA and Women – Practice Perspective

In January 2012, NASW released a new practice perspective regarding the role of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and women’s health. The perspective entitled, The Affordable Care Act: Implications for Low and
Moderate-Income Women’s Health and Well-Being, highlights the how the ACA benefits
women.  The implementation of the Affordable Care Act expands access to health care for estimated 27
million women ages 19 to 64 were uninsured in 2010. With rising health care costs combined with limited income growth and increase job loss, women have struggled to get needed care and pay medical bill for themselves and their families. The Affordable Care Act brings change and increases access to health
care through free coverage of preventive care services, new affordable coverage options, and insurance market reforms, including elimination of gender ratings. By 2014, when the law is fully implemented, a majority of the nearly 27 million working-age women who had no health insurance in 2010 will gain affordable and comprehensive benefits.

To read the full perspective, go to: http://www.socialworkers.org/practice/health/default.asp

Administration Announces Alzheimer’s Disease National Plan

Last month, the Obama Administration released the Draft National Plan To Address Alzheimer’s Disease that presents a comprehensive approach toward beginning to address quality care, family and caregiver support and the development of new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.  The draft national plan was mandated by the National Alzheimer’s Project Act that was signed into law in January 2011.

In addition, the Administration announced a $156 million initiative to fight Alzheimer’s disease, including making an additional $50 million available for Alzheimer’s research in the current fiscal year. In addition, the administration announced that its FY 2013 budget will increase funding for Alzheimer’s research by $80 million.

Congressional Social Work Caucus

In March, the Congressional Social Work Caucus (CSWC) will celebrate its first anniversary. Support the CSWC and contact your Representative and Senators and ask them to be a member of this important
caucus that creates a platform on Capitol Hill to represent the interests of social workers throughout the United States. The CSWC consists of social worker Members of Congress and those who support the social work profession and society’s social safety net. http://socialworkcaucus-towns.house.gov/

Advocacy Blog Roundup

What’s at stake with the Supreme Court challenge to the Affordable Care Act?

Civil rights and quality of care are intertwined.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) Extended

President Obama Releases Fiscal Year 2013 Budget

Women and the Minimum Wage for Tipped Workers

NASW New York State Efforts Stave off Social Work Job Loss

Advocacy Alert Roundup

Save the Child Tax Credit for Working Families

Advocacy Listserv Activity

In February, 1,617 activists sent 5,263 advocacy messages to Congress through Capwiz. The most active alerts were about the Sustainable Growth Rate Fix and the Child Tax Credit. Thanks to all of you who took the time to take action.  To see all alerts, go here.

On January 31, NASW sent the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recommendations to strengthen the Essential Health Benefits (EHB). NASW made a strong appeal for a comprehensive, uniform set of national health benefits, and suggested that weak, state-based EHB packages will harm low-income and vulnerable individuals.  NASW also appealed to DHHS for development of a national medical necessity standard and for inclusion of hospice and palliative care services in the final EHB package.   Click here
to read the NASW’s recommendations for EHB.

Aging Organizations Urge Lawmakers not to Repeal CLASS Act

On February 1, 2012, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1173, the Fiscal Responsibility and Retirement Security Act of 2011. H.R. 1173 is legislation repealing the Community Living and Assistance Services and Support Act (CLASS Act), a provision of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).  According to the National Council on Aging, the CLASS Act is a voluntary program that would provide a cash benefit to
people needing care at home, regardless of income or pre-existing conditions.  Many aging and disability
organizations such as the Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO) and Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) were against the passage of the repeal CLASS Act legislation.   NASW is a member of both coalitions.

The LCAO letter stated, “CLASS was developed to provide a coordinated, national public-private system for delivering long-term services and supports. We support the CLASS program as the most promising means of effectively financing the long-term services and supports that thousands of Americans come to need as they age or develop a disability. Every family faces these potential costs. CLASS gives families a framework for responsibly planning for their own long-term services and supports needs.”

Even though the CLASS Act repeal legislation passed in the House, there will be no further action on the legislation.  Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) will not vote on the bill and is against efforts to repeal any portion of the ACA.

Congress Votes to Restrict Use of TANF EBT Cards

On February 1, the U.S. House passed the Welfare Integrity Now for Children and Families Act (H.R. 3567). The bill would not allow Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients to use their TANF electronic benefit cards at ATMs in liquor stores, strip clubs and casinos.  Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-WI) spoke in opposition to the bill stating, “While many argue that people should have no
reason to use their EBT cards in places like this, I would argue that this is an issue of access. In some neighborhoods, the only access people have to an ATM is at a liquor store. So what are people supposed to do when they can’t even access their benefits to feed their families in their own neighborhoods?”  Another issue with this is the cost to states for monitoring the use of ATMs. NASW opposes this bill for these same reasons. There is a companion bill in the Senate, S. 943, which is currently in the Finance Committee.

Congress Considers Change to Child Tax Credit

Congress is considering new tax-related legislation that would target the most vulnerable, working families who pay taxes.  A policy being proposed would eliminate the Child Tax Credit for households who pay taxes with an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) rather than with a social security number.  Frequently, those who use the ITIN are families with differing immigration status.  According to Ali Noorani of the National Immigration Forum, over 5 million children in immigrant families will be affected when their families lose $1,800 in critical tax credits.

While the large majority of the children who will be affected are U.S. citizens with immigrant parents, in these challenging economic times it is in the best interest of the U.S. to provide this critical support to any child in need, regardless of citizenship status.  NASW stands against discrimination in any form, and  believes that taxpayers with similar income levels should have the same types of credits available to them,
regardless of the type of number they use to file their taxes.  “Congress is on the brink of denying this tax credit to immigrant and differing status families, regardless of the fact that they paid their fair share in taxes,” Noorani said. “If we take action now we can stop Congress from succumbing to divisive and hateful politics, and protect tax-paying families and their children.”

Political Climate

Although Mitt Romney had decisive wins in the Florida primary and Nevada Caucus, and Newt Gingrich won in South Carolina, the Republican primary season is far from over.  Rick Santorum won all three contests on February 7 and Newt Gingrich and Ron Paul have declared they will stay in the race.  Although Romney claimed a narrow victory in Maine, several Southern states will hold their primaries on Super
Tuesday (March 6).  Such states could potentially support Newt Gingrich, if he’s able to keep his campaign financially afloat until that date. Meanwhile, President Obama has continued fundraising in support of what will surely be a challenging general election.

Looking at Congress and candidates running for the House and Senate, most states have completed their post-Census redistricting process.  This has enabled both incumbents and challengers to determine which seats they are running for, and against whom.  As a result, many Congressional races will solidify over the coming months.  Please note that Congressional primaries are separate from the Presidential process, and
that the first Congressional primaries not until March and the last few are in September.

Throughout the spring and summer, NASW members should expect to see PACE roll out endorsements in a wide range of federal races.  As always, we will be seeking viable incumbents, challengers, and candidates for open seats who stand up for the values of social workers and their clients.

Congressional Social Work Caucus

The Congressional Social Work Caucus (CSWC) is approaching the first anniversary. Support the CSWC and contact your Representative and Senators and ask them to be a member of this important caucus that creates a platform on Capitol Hill to represent the interests of social workers throughout the United States. The CSWC consists of social worker Members of Congress and those who support the social work profession and society’s social safety net. http://socialworkcaucus-towns.house.gov/

Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Social Work Reinvestment Act

Don’t forget to contact your Representative and Senators and ask them to support the Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Social Work Reinvestment Act (HR1106/S584).

Advocacy Blog Roundup

NASW Supports HHS Decision on Women’s Rights

Violence Against Women Act up for Reauthorization

Social Work and the Anniversary of Roe V. Wade
Health Action 2012

Advocacy Alert Roundup

Halt the 27.4 % Medicare fee Cuts for SGR

Help Fight Inequality: Ask Your Representative to Co-sponsor ENDA

Half in Ten Act: Ask Your Representative to Co-sponsor

Urge Your Representative to Cosponsor H.R. 3506, the Hospice Evaluation and
Legitimate Payment (HELP) Act

RISE Out of Poverty Act: Ask Your Representative to Co-sponsor

Advocacy Listserv Activity

In January, 2,169 activists sent 3,775 advocacy messages to
Congress through Capwiz. The most active alerts were about the Hospice
Evaluation and Legitimate Payment Act, RISE Out of Poverty Act, Half in Ten Act
and Employment Non-Discrimination Act. Thanks to all of you who took the time
to take action.  To see all alerts, go here.

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 general election candidates for House and Senate races.

On Capitol Hill, many incumbents are wary of passing any controversial legislation down the home stretch.  A sudden shift, even in perception or media narratives rather than substance, could potentially alter the landscape significantly.  Democrats need to gain 25 seats in order to take over the House, a number that is dwarfed by swings that took place in 2006 (in the Democrats’ favor) and 2010 (benefitting the Republicans).  Republicans, meanwhile, would need just three Senate seats in order to claim the upper chamber if they win the Presidency (since the Vice-President would cast the deciding Senate vote in cases of a 50-50 tie).

Added in to the mix is the redistricting process that always follows the Census.  As states create districts to comply with shifts in population, it is not always clear how those new seats will perform in terms of favoring one party or the other.  There are several variables to be determined over the coming year, and we are really just getting started.

Representative Gwen Moore Introduces RISE Out of Poverty Act

On December 6, 2011, Rep. Gwen Moore (WI-4) introduced the Rewriting to Improve and Secure an Exit (RISE) Out of Poverty Act, H.R. 3573. The act would focus on reducing child poverty by permanently authorizing the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program as a funding stream for subsidized employment, and revise the work participation rules for families receiving cash assistance.

This legislation will improve TANF by providing an inflationary increase for TANF based on child population growth and inflation. It will lift all time limits (except the five year time limit). It will eliminate lifetime and full family sanctions and provide a pre and post sanction review process. It will guarantee child care for those engaged in work activities. In addition, it will decrease the work requirement from 30 hours to 20 hours per week. It allows for post-secondary education. Child support payments will be passed through at 100 percent. It requires states to put together basic needs plans for families. Finally, it will eliminate the 30 percent on education for states.

NASW has signed on as a supporter of this legislation. Click here to view our letter of support.  In addition, you can contact your Representative and urge them to cosponsor the legislation.  See our action alert here.

Voting Rights

United States Attorney General, Eric Holder, affirmed his commitment to protecting the right to vote and indicated that the Department of Justice will thoroughly review new state voting rights laws to determine whether they are discriminatory or in conformance with existing federal law.  NASW and other nationally recognized civil rights organizations have diligently championed the right to vote of minorities, seniors, students and the underserved. NASW believes that voting is a basic right and elections must be devoid of fraud, discrimination, and impropriety.

Further, opportunity and accessibility to polling venues should be available to all without the threat of voter suppression and intimidation. Overt examples of discrimination within the area of voting rights remain pervasive and NASW, with its progressive allies will continue efforts to redress systemic violation of voting rights.

New Study: Doctors Deficient in Reporting Child Abuse

Pediatricians and other primary care providers are good at identifying physical injuries in their young patients that might be the result of child abuse, but they are not as good at judging when to report those cases to child protective services, according to a new study, To Report or Not to Report: Examination of the Initial Primary Care Management of Suspicious Childhood Injuries, published in the November issue of Academic Pediatrics.

The study, conducted by researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) and Boston Medical Center (BMC), found that primary care providers fail to report a substantial number of cases of child abuse.  Using a sample of injuries drawn from previous research, the evaluation of cases made by primary care providers (PCP) in 111 injury visits were assessed by expert reviewers to validate the primary care provider’s initial decision.

The reviewers found that reporting was warranted in 13 of the 63 cases doctors chose not to report to authorities. Most of those cases involved leg fractures or bruises to the face or ear, and in six cases the physicians themselves had identified a high likelihood of abuse. This study reveals that primary care providers should pay more attention to the bruises or scratches on a child and determine if they are consistent, which would make them suspicious. It also opens up several opportunities for social workers in child welfare to improve the training of physicians as well as the diagnosis and treatment of child physical abuse in the community.

In related news, NASW is a member of the National Coalition to End Child Abuse Deaths.  On December 13, the bi-partisan and bicameral Protect Our Kids Act (S. 1984/H.R. 3653) was introduced. This bill will create a National Commission on Child Abuse and Neglect Deaths to study and evaluate federal, state, and private child welfare systems and develop a national strategy to prevent and reduce these deaths. To sign the petition asking your members of Congress to support this legislation, click here.

Congressional Social Work Caucus

The Congressional Social Work Caucus (CSWC) is approaching the first anniversary of its creation. Support the CSWC and contact your Representative and Senators and ask them to be a member of this important caucus that creates a platform on Capitol Hill to represent the interests of social workers throughout the United States. The CSWC consists of social worker Members of Congress and those who support the social work profession and society’s social safety net. http://socialworkcaucus-towns.house.gov/

Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Social Work Reinvestment Act

Don’t forget to contact your Representative and Senators and ask them to support to Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Social Work Reinvestment Act (HR1106/S686).

Advocacy Blog Roundup

Congress Extends TANF by Two Months

House Passes Extension to TANF Program

Apply Online in Spanish for Benefits

Advocacy Alert Roundup

Support the “Increased Student Achievement Through Increased Student Support Act”!

Contact Your Senator or Representative About the Violence Against Women Act

Advocacy Listserv Activity

In December, 1,395 activists sent 3,894 advocacy messages to Congress through Capwiz. The most active alert was about supporting the Violence Against Women Act. For the year, 7,620 activists sent 28,665 advocacy messages to Congress through Capwiz. The most active alert was about the Social Work Reinvestment Act. Thanks to all of you who took the time to take action.  To see all alerts, go here.

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.  Those automatic cuts, known as “sequestration,” are now slated to take effect in January 2013. Some in Congress are vowing to not let sequestration hit the defense budget, but President Obama has vowed to veto any bill that aims to back out of the deal reached under the Budget Control Act.

NASW wrote a letter to the Joint Select Committee using stories from our members about the potential impact of cuts and urging the committee to submit recommendations that include sufficient revenue increases that reduce the deficit while preserving our ability to create jobs, rebuild the economy, and protect vulnerable people from the loss of vital services.

SGR Formula Remains Unresolved

On November 1, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published its 2012 Medicare physician fee schedule which updates the payment rates for thousands of medical services and establishes other regulatory policy. Most finalized changes are effective January 1.  The proposed fee schedule that was released earlier this year had projected a 29.5% cut in 2012 as mandated by a budgetary mechanism called the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula, but CMS revised the figure to 27.4% in the final rule.

Despite the change, the fee schedule will serve as a stark reminder to Congress that there is a crisis in the Medicare program that only lawmakers can stop. Since 2003, Congress has taken steps to avert the cuts. Congress should do the same this year.  In addition, President Obama’s budget proposal included funding for a permanent solution to the SGR problem. 

In related news, Rep. Allyson Schwartz will soon introduce legislation to permanently repeal the SGR.  The Medicare Physician Payment Innovation Act of 2011 would fully repeal the SGR, stabilize current payment rates to ensure beneficiary access in the near-term, and set out a clear path toward comprehensive payment reform.  NASW will continue our support of addressing the need to fix the Medicare fee schedule and speak about the impact the SGR cuts will have on clinical social workers.

Political Climate

With the Super Committee having failed in its efforts to establish needed spending cuts, both Congress and state legislatures are contemplating the implications for 2013 (when automatic cuts are set to kick in).  On one hand, Congress will have a “lame duck” session following the 2012 elections in which they can alter or mitigate certain cuts, so it’s uncertain which areas will ultimately be affected.  Programs set to be slashed include child support enforcement, special education, Section 8 housing, and social services block grants.  There could also be a 2% reduction in Medicare costs.  On the other hand, many 2013 state budgets have to be approved in the spring of 2012.  This means that states will have to move forward without being certain what Congress will do in the wake of the 2012 election cycle.  Most states will likely plan for a worst-case scenario, potentially endangering several programs regardless of whether Congress saves them in the end.   

Incumbents, challengers, and candidates for open seats are undoubtedly fine-tuning their message on this issue, and voters should expect information from both parties and their affiliated organizations on exactly what this means for everyday Americans.  These potentially sweeping and severe cuts will leave their mark on local, state, and federal elections across the country.

NASW Supports the End Racial Profiling Act of 2011

As the Congressional recess approaches, NASW continues to advocate for the End Racial Profiling Act of 2011.  S.1670, sponsored by Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), would forbid the use of racial profiling by federal, state, or local law enforcement agencies.  S.1670 clearly defines racial profiling to include race, ethnicity, national origin, or religion as protected classes.

The bill requires training of law enforcement officers to ensure that they understand the law and its prohibitions.  Procedures would also be created for receiving, investigating and resolving complaints concerning racial profiling.  Equal application of S.1670 would apply to federal, state and local law enforcement, which creates consistent standards at all levels of government.

NASW and numerous other civil rights groups have long supported legislation banning racial profiling based not only on its discriminatory nature, but also because it perpetuates negative stereotypes.  Racial profiling adversely affects individual dignity as well as undermines the integrity of America’s criminal justice system.  NASW believes that Congress and the Department of Justice should take steps to prevent racial profiling and, ultimately, end its practice.

NASW Signs Letter to Congress about SAMSHA Funding

NASW joined over 70 addiction and mental health organizations in a letter urging funding of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at the Senate Appropriations Committee’s recommended level of $3,484,300,000 for fiscal year 2012. This is a reduction of $27.3 million from the FY 2011 level and approximately $80 million below the FY 2010 level for SAMHSA.  The letter stated, “While we understand the challenges you face in reducing the deficit, further cuts to critically important addiction and mental health services could pose a significant risk to public health and public safety”. Click here to read the full letter. 

On November 23, President Barack Obama nominated Marilyn Tavenner to succeed Dr. Donald Berwick as administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) following the announcement of Dr. Berwick’s resignation.  Dr. Berwick began his tenure as CMS Administrator by a 2010 recess appointment but he never received a Senate confirmation hearing. Dr. Berwick resigned from the post on December 2.  Before joining CMS, Tavenner was an executive with the Hospital Corporation of America, a former secretary of health and human resources for the governor of Virginia and the former president of the Virginia Hospital Association. She also served as a board member of the American Hospital Association. Tavenner has a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing and a Master of Arts degree in health administration, both from Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond. The administration has named Tavenner acting administrator of CMS pending her confirmation by the Senate.  

NASW Sends CMS Comments on Medicaid Eligibility Expansions

NASW recently sent a letter outlining our recommendations to strengthen the proposed regulations regarding Medicaid’s changes.  The letter applauded the replacement of Medicaid’s complex categorical groupings and limitations with an expansion of Medicaid eligibility to all individuals under age 65 with incomes at or below 133% of the Federal poverty line (FPL). This important change will help reduce state-by-state variation in eligibility for Medicaid. More importantly, it will make the Medicaid program accessible to an often overlooked, yet vulnerable, population – low-income adults under age 65 without dependent children. 

In addition, NASW included the following recommendation to recommendations to strengthen the proposed regulations:

• Raise the income threshold for Medicaid Eligibility/Individuals Above 133 Percent FPL
• Revisit the residency definition for Adults Age 21 and Over and Residency for CHIP Eligibility
• Craft Medicaid/CHIP applications, forms and other communications at a basic language level
• Consider the impact of the proposed rules on children and adults in complex family coverage situations

To read the full, letter, click here. 

NASW Supports the Half in Ten Act

On November 1, social worker Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) introduced the Half in Ten Act, H.R. 3300, which aims to reduce poverty in half in ten years. The legislation will establish a Federal Interagency Working Group on Reducing Poverty to develop and implement a national plan and work toward eradicating extreme poverty, child poverty, and the persistent disparity in poverty rates found in communities of color. The bill currently has 56 cosponsors. See NASW’s letter of support.  NASW is an endorsing organization of the Half in Ten campaign which has the same goal as the bill.

President Obama Announces $50 Million for AIDS Programs on World AIDS Day

On December 1, World AIDS Day, President Obama said his administration is committing an additional $15 million for the Ryan White program, which supports HIV medical clinics in the U.S., as well as an additional $35 million for state AIDS Drug Assistance Programs. President Barack Obama has charged federal agencies to implement the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, which includes addressing and preventing employment-related discrimination against people living with HIV.  To read about NASW’s recognition of World AIDS Day, click here.

House Names Capitol Visitor’s Center Room after Gabriel Zimmerman

On December 1, the House voted unanimously to pass H. Res. 364 – Designate Gabriel Zimmerman Meeting Room.  This resolution designates room HVC 215 of the Capitol Visitor Center as the “Gabriel Zimmerman Meeting Room.”  On January 8, a gunman attempted to assassinate Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) in Tucson, Arizona. Giffords was seriously wounded, and six others were killed, including social worker and NASW member Gabriel Zimmerman, Giffords’ director of community outreach.   He was the first congressional staffer in history to be murdered in the performance of his official duties. NASW worked on behalf of this legislation passing.

Rep. Towns Introduces the Student Achievement Through Increased Student Support Act

On November 15, Representative Towns reintroduced the Increased Student Achievement Through Increased Student Support Act, H.R. 3405, a bill that would increase the recruitment and retention of , school social workers, school psychologists, and school counselors by high-need urban and rural school districts. The Increased Student Achievement through Increased Student Support Act focuses on supporting the social, emotional, behavioral and mental health needs of students as a means of improving classroom achievement by increasing the number of school support professionals available to students.

Key provisions of the bill:

• Create a federal grant program to increase the number of school social workers, school counselors, and school psychologists serving low-income local educational agencies (LEAs) by creating a pipeline between institutions of higher education and low-income school districts.
• Allow institutions of higher education with graduate training programs in school social work, school counseling, and school psychology that develop collaborative training and placement partnerships with LEAs to apply for federal grant funds to hire and pay participating graduates to work in those schools.
• Make program participants who remain employed in a low-income school setting for a minimum of five years eligible for loan forgiveness.

NASW is working with Rep. Towns to help secure additional cosponsors for the bill.

Congressional Social Work Caucus

The Congressional Social Work Caucus (CSWC) already has 60 bipartisan members in the House of Representatives and Senators Barbara Mikulski and Debbie Stabenow are the first Senate members. Are your Representative and Senators a member of this important caucus that creates a platform on Capitol Hill to represent the interests of social workers throughout the United States? The CSWC consists of social worker Members of Congress and those who support the social work profession and society’s social safety net. http://test-socialworkcaucus.towns.house.gov

Don’t forget to contact your Representative and Senators and ask them to support the Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Social Work Reinvestment Act (H.R. 1106/S. 584).

Advocacy Blog Roundup

Women and the Unemployment Crisis

Invitation to a Conference Call Tour for Faith & Community Leaders

Advocacy Listserv Activity

In November, 211 activists sent 634 advocacy messages to Congress through Capwiz. The most active alert was about repealing the sustainable growth rate. Thanks to all of you who took the time to take action.  To see all alerts, go here.

NASW Submits Comments Regarding EHB Package

On October 26, NASW submitted comments to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regarding NASW’s recommendations to the Essential Health Benefits (EHB) Package.  In our comments, NASW states that the EHB package will set a national standard for high quality, comprehensive and affordable health care coverage for the country.   The following are NASW recommendations for critical components for inclusion in EHB package:

• Care coordination and case management
• Treatment of mental health and substance use disorders, including behavioral health treatment
• Rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices
• Reproductive health services
• Hospice and palliative care

To view NASW’s full EHB comments, click here. 

In related news, HHS is hosting regional “listening sessions” on EHB Package, which will form the basis of coverage offered through the state-based exchanges, when they become operational in 2014.  The EHB will determine health care coverage for millions of Americans – and will potentially influence the structure of health plans in the private market as well.   We need the social work voice heard.  Please consider testifying at your state’s listening session.  The full table can be found at:

http://www.socialworkblog.org/advocacy/2011/11/ehb-listening-sessions-hosted-by-hhs

Congressional Hearing on Federal Student Loans

On October 25, the House Education and Workforce Committee, Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training held a hearing to monitor the progress of the Direct Student Loan Program.  The program was overhauled 19 months ago.  

James Runcie, Chief Operating Officers for Student Aid at the Department of Education stated that the Department is working to better market information about the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program and the Income Contingent Repayment Program, two programs that were designed to help students manage their debt.   

Further, in her prepared statement, Subcommittee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) expressed concern that the proposed reforms could have “unintended consequences on the nation’s students, higher education institutions, and our economy.” She cited the increase in student default rates and the Department of Education’s inability to secure borrower data in light of a recent computer failure that allowed borrowers to see each other’s data.  Mr. Runcie stated that the Department has created an internal task force and invested in technology upgrades to address the computer glitch that impacted about 5,000 borrowers.

NASW has lobbied for social workers to be included in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program which provides debt cancellation for eligible borrowers after 10 years of public service. You can read more about that program by going to www.socialworkers.org/loanforgiveness

To view the archived hearing go to http://edworkforcehouse.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=46

The Administration Takes Action to Reduce Student Loan Debt

The Administration recently announced new measures aimed at easing the burden of debt on students struggling to repay their federal college loans. The changes allow qualified social work students and other students with some types of federal loans to consolidate them into one loan, and accelerate the date that the government originally set to offer a new repayment plan contingent on income.

Beginning in January 2012, graduates with two or more federal loans will be able to consolidate those into one loan, thereby reducing the amount of interest by half a percent in some cases.  Currently, borrowers can cap their monthly loan repayments at 15 percent of their income. That cap is set to fall to 10 percent in 2014, but the new proposal would move that timeline to 2012, through the Income Based Repayment Program (IBR).

Although the changes would not help borrowers with private loans or those who have already defaulted on federal loans, we applaud the Administration’s actions to provide additional repayment relief for up to 1.6 million current students, including loan forgiveness after 20, rather than 25 years, of payments.

For more details about the IBR program go to:
http://studentaid.ed.gov/students/attachments/siteresources/IBRQ&A_template_123109_FINAL.pdf and to view the Administration’s announcement, please visit the White House website. 

Congressional Social Work Caucus

The Congressional Social Work Caucus (CSWC) has already garnered 60 bipartisan members in the House of Representatives and Senator Barbara Mikulski signed on as the first Senate member this week. Are your Representative and Senators a member of this important caucus that creates a platform on Capitol Hill to represent the interests of social workers throughout the United States. The CSWC consists of social worker Members of Congress and those who support the social work profession and society’s social safety net. http://test-socialworkcaucus.towns.house.gov

Don’t forget to contact your Representative and Senators and ask them to support to Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Social Work Reinvestment Act (HR1106/S686), too.

Political Climate

With the 2012 election roughly a year away, several important political developments are already shaping next year’s landscape.  For one, all candidates for federal office had to report their third quarter fundraising figures to the Federal Election Commission by October 15, 2011.  These publicly available reports detail how much money has been raised by candidates (including incumbents, challengers, and those running for open seats) as well as how much cash they have on hand, which reveals how viable they are heading into this spring’s primaries.  For House and Senate candidates, this is a chance to inspire a media narrative that they are performing well early, which itself can result in more contributions to their campaigns.  In presidential terms, the third quarter is especially important because the Republican primaries are falling especially early this year, and GOP candidates need to prove that they have the resources to make it through several primaries and caucuses scheduled throughout January-March 2012.  These figures are available at www.fec.gov.

The Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction has a deadline of November 23 to determine at least $1.2 trillion worth of savings.  If they are able to meet that deadline, political implications for all federal level candidates would be significant.  Congress would have until December 23 to pass a proposal implementing it into law.  This would surely factor into Republican primaries, caucuses, and debates as well as President Obama’s reelection campaign.  Candidates for Congress in both parties would also be pressed to support or oppose the potential cuts.

NASW Works to Reduce Poverty and Economic Discrimination

NASW continues to work with the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights regarding strategies aimed at reducing domestic poverty and economic discrimination.  Despite being one of the richest nations in the world, the United States has 46.2 million people who live in poverty.  That represents 15.1% of the population.   The overall growth of family income has become separate from the economic output and growth of the broader economy.  While productivity grows, middle class families, children, and the underserved are not getting their equal share of this prosperity.

This inequality is due in part to a decline in unionization and a scarcity of employment opportunities which offer sufficient health and retirement benefits that provide families with financial security.  NASW and its social justice allies believe that the Federal Government has the capability and the policy resources to significantly slow the rate of poverty and enhance the status of the middle class.  However, the political will seems lacking.

To this end, coalition efforts have produced policy recommendations that seek to increase the minimum wage, strengthen communities and families, support paid sick leave, reform job training programs, increase funding for education, extend unemployment insurance, create better jobs with upward mobility, and reassess and improve the temporary assistance for needy families program.  These policy prescriptions, we hope, as a collective body, will address many of the systemic income inequalities that prevent America’s neediest from participating in the American dream.  NASW will continue to fight injustice while pursuing meaningful initiatives that are committed to improving the quality of life for all of our citizens.

Advocacy Blog Roundup

The Affordable Care Act Upheld

EHB Listening Sessions Hosted By HHS

Cutting Poverty in Half in Ten Years

Affordable Care Act 101

White House Immigration Action Update

Watch Live Online: All Children Matter: How Legal and Social Inequalities Hurt LGBT Families

HHS Halts CLASS Act

HHS announces record number of National Health Service Corps members

Reject Cuts to Medicaid

BBC to Report on Child Abuse Fatalities in the United States—October 10, 2011

Advocacy Alert Roundup

Ask Congress to Repeal the Sustainable Growth Rate

Budget Control Act: Three Ways to Advocate

Elementary and Secondary Education Act Alert

Advocacy Listserv Activity

In October, 798 activists sent 2,487 advocacy messages to Congress through Capwiz. The most active alert was about repealing the sustainable growth rate. Thanks to all of you who took the time to take action.  To see all alerts, go here.

The House of Representatives voted on a continuing resolution to carry 2012 federal spending after the start of the new fiscal year on October 1.  The stop gap funding measure continues funds until November 18, 2011, at a reduced rate across-the-board of 1.409% below FY 2011 spending levels, cutting spending for the first seven weeks of the new budget year.  The Senate passed the bill soon after House passage.

Having bought time through mid-November to settle budget decisions for 2012, Congress is expected to develop a giant omnibus package to take all spending for the remaining 45 weeks of fiscal 2012, with the goal to pass that funding bill before Thanksgiving.  This will mark the 15^th year in a row that Congress has not passed all its regular appropriations bills before the start of the new fiscal year.  While the House Appropriations Committee has cleared nine of the twelve funding bills, only six have passed the House floor.  Among those yet to be drafted in the House is the funding bill for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and Education (LHHS).  In the Senate, only one appropriations bill – for military construction and veterans affairs – has been approved by the Appropriations Committee and passed the Senate floor.

On September 20, the Senate Subcommittee on LHHS Appropriations approved its version of the 2012 spending bill, holding most child welfare funding at current levels.  Full committee approval followed the next day.  Progress has been slower in the House. Representative Denny Rehberg (R-MT), chair of the Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Subcommittee, released a draft plan of his proposals for a House version of the 2012 spending bill.  However, Rehberg’s document was not approved or even reviewed by his subcommittee. Twice this year the House subcommittee has scheduled and then cancelled markup sessions.  If no bill is reported by the subcommittee, this would be the first time in almost a decade that the House panel has failed to report on a bill. 

NASW is concerned about the funding levels of the LHHS appropriations bill because cuts to LHHS could jeopardize the future of many programs that employ social workers and serve millions of clients.  In addition, our 2009 written testimony to the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies stated that a social work workforce is needed to adequately serve the millions of Americans who are experiencing poverty, economic insecurity, a lack of health care, an inability to provide for their families, and even homelessness. 

Political Climate

Despite holding a total of eight meetings, the Super Committee has not formally announced specific budget cuts.  Members of the Committee are deferring to co-chairs Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) and Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), who in turn have declined to reveal detailed information.  All Members of the Super Committee are aware of how politically explosive such sweeping cuts could be if the public were aware of them, so the talks have been kept unusually confidential.  The cuts must total at least $1.5 trillion in order to comply with the recently passed Budget Control Act.

Whichever cuts are made in the end, it won’t be long before Members of Congress and candidates for President are talking about their views on the subject.  Florida recently moved their Presidential primary to January 31, 2012, meaning that the Iowa caucus and New Hampshire primary could actually happen in 2011 or very early in 2012.  With several Republican candidates vying for the nomination and President Obama forming his own narrative about the cuts, this issue will remain prominently on the table for the foreseeable future.

NASW Supports the American Jobs Act

In September, President Obama spoke before the joint session of Congress to introduce the American Jobs Act.  NASW is working with the progressive community in support of the legislation.  NASW believes that the American Jobs Act would put more money in the pockets of almost 80 million working Americans, by cutting their payroll taxes next year and preventing up to 280,000 teacher layoffs by investing $30 billion to offset projected budget cuts.  With profound economic uncertainty, the American Jobs Act will empower women, two-thirds of which are the primary financial stakeholders for their families, to invest in their communities and significantly improve upon the quality of life for themselves as well as their children.  In 2010, according to the Census, 16.4 million children and 17 million women were living in poverty.

The Republican led House appears disinterested in considering the American Jobs Act any time soon.  Further, it appears that Congressional leadership wants to divide the ideas of the bill and send them to slow moving committees of jurisdiction with little interest of sincere examination.  Meanwhile, in the Senate, the Democratic majority lacks the votes to secure passage.  Congress seems intent to allow the bill to remain a political statement despite unacceptable unemployment rates, specifically among African-Americans and Hispanics.

Since its inception, NASW has tirelessly fought for social justice, inclusion and economic equality for all.  The American Jobs Act is a common sense, bipartisan, cost-effective initiative that will reduce unemployment and revitalize America’s economy in the long term.  By proposing to modernize our infrastructure and extending unemployment benefits for the unemployed, the American Jobs Act would be a strong initial step in restoring American prosperity and rebuilding the American dream.  NASW will continue to advocate for initiatives that protect the marginalized and strengthen the middle class.

NASW Meets with Department of Education

NASW recently met with Department of Education officials to discuss their Proposed Employment Certification Form for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. This form, once finalized, will be the tool used to determine eligibility for the College Cost Reduction Act of 2007, that provides loan forgiveness for social workers and other professionals who pursue public service work. NASW worked to ensure that social workers were included in the legislative language.  More information about this law can be found on the NASW loan forgiveness page, www.socialworkers.org/loanforgiveness

At the meeting, NASW was able to expand on our written comments that were submitted to the Department to David Bergeron, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy, Planning and Innovation and Eduardo M. Ochoa, Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education.  We expressed our concerns about the forms.  The federal government is working to streamline the complicated and often confusing federal forms that students seeking financial assistance must submit to their colleges or universities as required by the Higher Education Act. 

NASW supported the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act and will continue to partner with the Department of Education as they complete the eligibility process for the Employment Certification Form for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

House and Senate Pass TANF Extension

On Wednesday, September 21, the House passed, by voice vote, a bill (HR 2943) that would extend the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program and associated state maintenance of effort requirements through Dec. 31, 2011.  The Senate on Friday, September 23, cleared the measure (HR 2943) by voice vote. It would extend the TANF program through the end of the calendar year at fiscal 2011 levels — an annual rate of about $16.5 billion.

NASW is interested in improvements to the TANF program including an increased attention to education, increased supportive services and addressing substance abuse. No changes were made to the TANF program in the extension, so NASW will continue to advocate for changes.

NASW is sending a letter to Ways and Means Committee members asking them to include extensive job training, supportive services and substance abuse services to the TANF program. NASW is also asking them to address TANF funding levels, benefit levels and needs of immigrants.

Nancy Pelosi Received the Frances Perkins Award

On September 13, NASW attended the 64th annual Americans for Democratic Action Awards (ADA) Banquet where Democratic House Leader Nancy Pelosi was awarded ADA’s inaugural Frances Perkins Award for Outstanding Government Service.   Social Work Pioneer Frances Perkins was the Secretary of Labor from 1933 to 1945 and was the first woman appointed to the U. S. Cabinet.   Pelosi said it was an honor to be the first recipient of the France Perkins Award.

Census finds Poverty High across the Nation

On September 13, the Census Bureau released the National Census data. In 2010, the share of Americans living in poverty reached 15.1 percent while the share of children in poverty hit 22 percent, both the highest levels in 17 years.   That means the number of people living in poverty hit 46.2 million, the highest level on record with data back to 1959. Poverty rose in 49 states from 2009 to 2010, despite the official end of the recession in 2008.  In 36 states, poverty rose more than 1.5 percentage points from just before the recession’s start in 2007 to 2010. In 37 states, unemployment rose by 50 percent or more from 2006 to 2010. NASW is concerned about poverty rates because our members serve clients who are impacted by poverty.

Congressional Social Work Caucus

The official website for the Congressional Social Work Caucus has been launched! Stay up to date on caucus activities and find out if your member of Congress is a member of this important caucus which seeks to support the profession of social work and the clients served by social workers.

Don’t forget to contact your Representative and Senators and ask them to support the Social Work Reinvestment Act today!  

Advocacy Blog Roundup

President Signs Key Child Welfare Legislation into Law

Child and Family Services Improvement and Innovation Act Passes the House

The Affordable Care Act-18 Months Later

HHS Webinar on Home Visiting Programs

Continuing Resolution Vote Soon

Health Equity Legislation Introduced

Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus Launched

Female Veterans and the American Jobs Act

Advocacy Listserv Activity

In September, 726 activists sent 2,199 advocacy messages to Congress through Capwiz. The most active alert was about super committee. Thanks to all of you who took the time to take action!  To see all alerts, go here.

NASW recently sent a letter to the recently appointed 12 members of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction who will make recommendations on ways to increase revenues while reducing the deficit.  The Super Committee will determine which programs, both military and domestic, that will be included in a total of up to $1.5 trillion in cuts.

In the letter to the Super Committee, NASW urges the members to protect America’s most vulnerable families.  We know that there is a lot of pressure to cut programs, but NASW ask you to also look at the revenue side of the equation.  NASW supports revenue increases and cuts to programs that do not impact low/moderate-income people. In addition, NASW urges the Super Committee to submit recommendations that include sufficient revenue increases to reduce the deficit while preserving our ability to create jobs, rebuild the economy, and protect vulnerable people from the loss of vital services.

The first meeting took place on September 8 where they made opening remarks and voted on rules. NASW has closely monitored the individuals chosen to serve and will follow the negotiations.  It’s possible that the very nature of entitlement programs could be reworked, along with large portions of the U.S. Tax Code.

Here are the six Republicans chosen, followed by their voting record from NASW’s 2009-2010 legislative scorecard: Reps. Jeb Hensarling (TX-5, 10%), Dave Camp (MI-4, 10%) and Fred Upton (MI-6, 30%); Sens. Jon Kyl (R-AZ, 0%), Pat Toomey (R-PA, Not in Congress in 2009-2010) and Rob Portman (R-OH, Not in Congress 2009-2010).

Among the Democrats, House Minority Leader Pelosi selected Rep. James Clyburn (SC-6), Xavier Beccera (CA-31), and Rep. Chris Van Hollen (MD-8), all of whom voted 100% on NASW’s issues throughout 2009-2010.  Senate Majority Leader Reid has tapped Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA, 100%), Sen. John Kerry (D-MA, 100%), and Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT, 83%).

Political Climate

Congress returned to Washington after Labor Day.  The Super Committee met on September 8 to discuss a wide range of spending cuts.  President Obama presented a new jobs plan, which was reasonably well-received on both sides of the aisle as Speaker of the House John Boehner praised several aspects.  Republican competition for the Presidential nomination has continued in full force; Mitt Romney and Rick Perry seemed to share the spotlight during the most recent debate.  As part of that process, states are competing for the important early stages of the nominating process, and the stage could be set for primaries and caucuses occurring much earlier than usual.

As a result of these events, all the policy work that is done by both Congress and the White House is sure to have political implications that resonate through November 2012.  President Obama will base his growing reelection effort on policy achievements that emerge from the next few months.

While September may seem like a continuation of the usual policy work in the short term, this month will help craft the large scale political discourse in the long term.

Congressional Social Work Caucus Growing

The Congressional Social Work Caucus (CSWC) has already garnered 56 bipartisan members. Is your Representative a member of this important caucus that creates a platform on Capitol Hill to represent the interests of social workers throughout the United States. The CSWC consists of social worker Members of Congress and those who support the social work profession and society’s social safety net. http://socialworkreinvestment.org/2011/caucus.html If your Representative is not a member, contact them today and ask them to join and stand up for our profession and the clients we serve.

Don’t forget to contact your Representative and Senators and ask them to support to Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Social Work Reinvestment Act (HR1106/S686)!

NASW Comments on HHS Disparities Data Collection Standards

On August 1, NASW submitted a letter commenting on the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Proposed Data Collection Standards for Race, Ethnicity, Primary Language, Sex and Disability Status as directed by a provision in the Affordable Care Act.   As proposed, the data standards will apply to self-reported information in all national population health surveys.  In the letter, NASW requests that the standards define lesbian/gay/bisexual/transsexual (LGBT), to more accurately capture primary language information, and to broaden the definition of “disability.”  In addition, the letter recommended that the data collection standards to

• Include questions that address socioeconomic status and geographic region
• Include questions to address behavioral, cognitive, mental, and physical ability
• Increase data collection research, and
• Expand data collection on LGBT populations

Addressing cultural diversity, human rights, disparities and social and economic justice constitutes a core component of the social work curriculum and practice. NASW believes that the above recommendations will help the equitable delivery of health services for all people regardless of ability, age, ethnicity, gender, geographic location, race, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or physical, mental, and cognitive ability.

Click here to view the entire NASW comments.

NASW Joins LCCR on 9/11 Statement of Principles

NASW joined over 70 religious, racial, ethnic, and civil and human rights organizations on a 9/11 Statement of Principles to remember the victims of 9/11.  In honoring their memory, the letter states the groups are “rededicating ourselves to core principles as set forth in this statement that reaffirm our unity of purpose as a nation, the resilience of our democracy, and our respect for fundamental freedoms.”  To read the full 9/11 Statement of Principles, click here.

CMS Proposals to Cover Annual Screenings for Alcohol Misuse and Depression

NASW join the Coalition for Whole Health, a broad coalition of national organizations in the mental health and substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery communities, in a letter to comment on the CMS proposals to cover annual screenings for alcohol misuse and depression for adult Medicare beneficiaries.  The following recommendations were included in the letter.

• · CMS should cover depression and alcohol misuse screenings and interventions that occur in any appropriate setting, not just primary care settings, furnished by any qualified practitioner, not limited to primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, or physician assistants.
• · Depression and alcohol misuse screenings should not be limited to once annually.  Screenings should be provided at every opportunity or whenever appropriate.
• · CMS should further expand Medicare preventive services to include screening and intervention for illicit and prescription drug misuse and screening for additional mental health related conditions.

NASW believes that clinical social workers should be primary providers in primary care settings to provide mental health services especially for Medicare beneficiaries who have a positive screen for depression and substance use.  In addition, clinical social workers could also assist the primary care physician in administering and interpreting these screens.  NASW will continue its advocacy in promoting the role of clinical social workers as CMS reviews proposals to cover screening and behavioral counseling interventions to reduce alcohol misuse and screening for depression as Medicare preventive services.

4^th Circuit Court Rules in Favor of ACA

On September 8, the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed a challenge to the Affordable Care Act (ACA).  The decision marks the second victory for health reform in a federal appeals court. Previously, the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals found the Affordable Care Act constitutional.  However, one other appeals court ruling was against the law.  This means that the U.S. Supreme Court will ultimately take up the case. The lawsuits have centered on the law’s individual mandate, which requires nearly all Americans to purchase health insurance beginning in 2014.

According to a White House blog, many Americans are already benefiting from the law including parents with a child with a preexisting condition, women getting mammograms with no out of pocket cost, seniors saving thousands of dollars on their prescription drugs and young adults now getting covered on their parent’s plan.  NASW supports the Affordable Care Act and has advocated for its implementation.  In addition, NASW’s Legal Defense Fund filed briefs in support of the legislation.

Advocacy Blog Roundup

Affordable Care Act 101 Conference Call

Super Committee Members Selected

Department of Education Webinar

Conference Call to Discuss Women’s Access to Needed Care and Services

NASW Supports Senator & Social Worker Debbie Stabenow’s Policy Record

Advocacy Alert Roundup

Super Committee: Contact your Representative and Senators

Urge Your Representative to Reauthorize the Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program

TANF: Ask Your Representative to Support the Supplemental Grants Extension Act

Debt Ceiling and Budget Cuts

NASW Concerned about Debt Ceiling Talk, Cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, Pell Grants, and Social Security

Ask Your Representative to Join the Congressional Social Work Caucus

Contact Your Senators and Representative in Tennessee about the Coalition to Control Spending with Care

Advocacy Listserv Activity

From July 1 – September 12, 2011, 2,599 activists sent 8,269 advocacy messages to Congress through Capwiz. The most active alerts were about protecting low/moderate income people with the debt debate and the super committee. Thanks to all of you who took the time to take action!  To see all alerts, go here.

The recent anniversary of our country’s independence reminds us that as Americans we have certain duties that we owe to our country.  Most particularly, citizens have a responsibility to be involved in the political process through voting and can participate in various other forms of activism, such as campaigning, contacting Members of Congress, and joining political organizations.

Social workers have an additional professional responsibility to engage in political activism that stems from the NASW Code of Ethics, which calls for social workers to advocate and challenge social injustice.  This requires social workers to not only engage in civic political activities, like voting, but also in advocating for marginalized persons and other similar actions.

Social workers in the United States have a dual responsibility to engage in political activities, and the Social Work Reinvestment Initiative (SWRI) provides several opportunities for social workers to advocate for their profession and their clients, including the Social Work Reinvestment Act and the Congressional Social Work Caucus.  The Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Social Work Reinvestment Act (HR 1106/S. 584) is designed to address challenges in the social work workforce, including low pay, high educational debt, and low retention rates, to ensure that millions across the nation continue to receive competent care. 

The Congressional Social Work Caucus (CSWC) consists of social worker Members of Congress and those who support the social work profession and society’s social safety net and creates a platform on Capitol Hill to represent the interests of social workers throughout the United States.

As the Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Social Work Reinvestment Act (HR 1106/S. 584) continues, it remains in need of cosponsors.  Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY-8), Rep. Mike Doyle (D-PA-14), and Delegate Gregorio K. C. Sablan (D-North Mariana Islands) have recently signed on to cosponsor this act, bringing the number of cosponsors to 52 in the House and 8 in the Senate.  To fulfill your ethical duties as a professional social worker, consider contacting your Representative and Senators today and encourage them to join the CSWC or to co-sponsor the Social Work Reinvestment Act.

Capitol Hill Briefing about Family Reunification

NASW staff attended a child welfare policy briefing hosted by the American Humane Association that focused on the importance of reunifying children in out of home placements with their families. Federal policy requires that reunification be the primary goal and about 50% of these families are reunited nationally. Presenters included three families who had been reunited and a caseworker that worked with one of them, Amie S. Gladfelter, a 14 year veteran of the York County Office of Children Youth and Families in Pennsylvania. Ms. Gladfeler has proactively worked to reunify families for over 14 years and used family decision making and safety training to prevent the trauma and other issues that arise when children are separated from their loved ones.  Zoe Bush, an Associate Judge at the D.C. Superior Court, spoke about her efforts to reunify children with their families, stating that 35% of out of home placements in Washington, DC are reunited. While reunification is the preferred outcome, the frequent obstacles to achieving this are drug addiction and mental illness. Some families she encountered also needed assistance obtaining housing, telephone service, and school uniforms.

Family reunification is the primary focus of federal foster care policy which is consistent with NASW’s long standing position that the placement of choice should be within the child’s family of origin, who can provide a more stable environment for the child during a crisis.

Congress Holds Hearing on Child Deaths due to Maltreatment

The House Committee Ways and Means Subcommittee on Human Resources held a hearing on child deaths due to maltreatment on July 12. This hearing coincided with the Government Accountability Office’s (GAO’s) release of a report on child fatalities from maltreatment. The National Coalition to End Child Abuse Deaths (NCECAD), of which NASW is a part, provided verbal testimony. NASW also provided written testimony.

Chairman Geoff Davis (R-KY) opened the hearing with a statement about how death from maltreatment does not always get the attention it deserves. Kay E. Brown, Director of Education, Workforce and Income Security at GAO testified that national data about child maltreatment could be strengthened. The GAO found that more children likely died from maltreatment than reflected in Health and Human Services data. Tamara Tunie, actor for Law and Order: SVU testified for NCECAD that an estimated 2,500 children die each year from abuse and neglect, seven children a day.

The coalition is working to have legislation introduced that will create a commission to look into child maltreatment deaths.

Roundtable Discussion about Transitioning Youth to Adulthood

NASW attended an event hosted by the American Youth Policy Forum to discuss different aspects of transitioning youth to adulthood. Key note presenter Frank Furstenburg, Zellerbach Family Professor of Sociology and Research, Population Studies Center, University of Pennsylvania, spoke about the “long and twisting road to adulthood” and the challenges for vulnerable youth. Key indicators that youth are making a successful transition include: economic autonomy from their family, residence independence from the natal family, family formulation, mental and physical health, and civic participation. He stated that the transition to adulthood in the second half of the 20^th century has become more protracted as youth have difficulty achieving economic self-sufficiency because of declining wages. Gordon Berlin, President, MDRC, elaborated on this point stating that the transition to adulthood has been directly affected by labor market conditions. He pointed out that nine out of ten of the largest occupations in 2010 pay far less than the U.S. mean wage, which is $21.35 per hour. For example, retail positions pay $12.02 per hour, customer service representatives earn $15.76 per hour, and food preparation workers earn $8.95 per hour. The only exception he cited were registered nurses, earning $32.56 per hour.

NASW supports the panel’s public policy recommendations which include: strengthening the capacity of community colleges to offer training to vulnerable youth, such as those in the mental health system, foster care, juvenile justice and criminal justice systems, youth with disabilities, and runaway youth. Also it was recommended that policy makers increase resources for youth mental health, housing, and job training programs.

Political Climate

Congress has been roundly criticized in many circles for passing so few bills this term.  In fact, they have generated even less legislation than the famed “Do Nothing Congress” of the late 1940’s.  While such an approach hardly creates a robust policy agenda, there are inherently political reasons for this particular tactic.  With fundraising and campaigning constantly on Members’ minds, they don’t want to do anything that gives ammunition to opponents or voters.  Similarly, the White House is concerned about the 2012 election, with Obama’s approval ratings consistently hovering in the mid-to-upper 40’s.  This all leads to a cautious political calculus throughout Washington.

When you add in that Republicans control the House while Democrats hold a Senate majority, there’s even less reason for both parties to expose themselves to potential political risk.  The GOP does not want to be seen as handing Obama or his party any victories, however minor.  The Democrats, meanwhile, are concerned that any gains made by conservatives will only inspire voters to elect more Republicans next November.  The result is a focus on re-election rather than legislation.  Only 16 bills became law between January and November, as opposed to 50 in a comparable timeframe last year.  With the next election cycle looking in the distance, we can only expect the pace to remain sluggish at best.

Immigration Reform

The Obama Administration is initiating another effort to alter America’s immigration laws, despite some opposition in the Republican party.  President Obama met with Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus to discuss meaningful ways to reform the nation’s immigration system.  The President promised a renewed effort to persuade Congress and the American public to support proposals which would combine stricter enforcement of current immigration laws while engendering a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants.

NASW believes that initiatives such as the Development, Relief and Education of Alien Minors Act as well as the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2011 will help to determine reasonable balance between security and human rights, while also addressing the social service necessities of an underserved immigrant population.

Advocacy Blog Roundup

Applications for HHS Grant Opportunities Due Late July

HHS Conference Call on the Partnership for Patients

Political Activism: A Civic and Ethical Responsibility

Social Work Researchers Have a Responsibility to Educate the Public

DREAM Act Hearing

World Refugee Day, June 20, 2011

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15, 2011

Join the AIDS.gov Webinar: State and Future of HIV/AIDS

Advocacy Alert Roundup

Ask your Representative to Support the Reducing Barriers to Learning Act of 2011

Urge Congress to protect struggling Americans today

Contact the Senate today – Protect Medicaid

Advocacy Listserv Activity

In the months of May and June, 1,826 activists sent 4,095 advocacy messages to Congress through Capwiz. The most active alerts were about protecting Medicaid and protecting struggling Americans.  Thanks to all of you who took the time to take action!  To see all alerts, go here.

The CSWC has held three congressional briefings on: 

• The Social Work Reinvestment Act
• The Implications of Health Care Reform on the Social Work Profession 
• Prevention, Treatment, and Services Research Funding in the National Institute of Mental Health Budget

Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Social Work Reinvestment Act

The Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Social Work Reinvestment Act (HR 1106/S. 584) currently has 49 cosponsors in the House and 7 in the Senate. We still need your help to secure additional cosponsors and pass the most comprehensive piece of federal legislation ever introduced to address the workforce issues facing the social work profession. As we continue to struggle with the economic recession, it is more important now than ever to reinvest in society’s social safety net.

Contact your Senators and Representative in support of the bill today.

On May 11, the House Appropriations Committee announced the Fiscal Year 2012 spending allocations for each of its subcommittees, cutting total federal discretionary spending by approximately $30 billion in the next fiscal year compared to FY 2011. Spending for the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Departments (LHHS) would be reduced by more than $18 billion – $41.5 billion less than the President requested. The cuts to LHHS could jeopardize the future of many programs that employ social workers and serve millions of clients.

Senate Democrats have yet to move forward on their proposal for a 2012 budget plan.  Senator Kent Conrad (D-ND), chair of the Senate Budget Committee, has chosen to hold off releasing a counter offer to the House plan until the completion of the budget negotiations initiated by the White House and led by Vice President Biden.  It is expected that the Conrad budget plan would include tax increases as part of the strategy for deficit reduction.

Child Welfare Waiver Bill Introduced in Senate

On May 17, Senator Max Baucus (D-MT), Finance Committee chair, and Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT), ranking Republican on the committee, introduced the State Child Welfare Innovation Act, S.1013, (H.R. 1194), to renew authority for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to extend through 2014 waivers of federal foster care regulations to enable states to use funds flexibly in developing innovative strategies for serving children in the child welfare system. The House companion bill, H.R. 1194, was introduced in March by Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA).

States that apply for a waiver to use federal foster care funds would be required to address one of three goals listed in the legislation:

1) Increase permanency for children and promote the successful transition to adulthood;

2) Increase efforts to better serve children and families served in-home or in-placement by improving safety; and

3) Prevent abuse and neglect and the re-entry of children into foster care with a special focus on in-home and community-based services. 

The bill focuses on enabling states to make changes in their policies, procedures or other aspects of the state child welfare program to achieve the goal of the project funded under the legislation.  Specific child welfare program improvement policies related to prevention identified by the bill include: family counseling, family group decision-making, in-home peer support for families; family-based substance abuse treatment; and addressing domestic violence that puts children at risk of entering foster care.

The bill aims to reduce the number of children and youth entering foster care while also improving the circumstances for children in the child welfare system and keeping families together.  Senator Baucus credited a drop in the number of children in the foster care system by more than 80,000 over the last ten years, and by nearly 40,000 over the last two years, in part to success achieved by the states’ use of the type of waiver the bill would provide. The Finance Committee leadership considers the legislation to be cost-neutral and free of controversy, which should enable it to move quickly.  

Federal Funding Opportunity for Domestic Violence Programs

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF), Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) recently announced the solicitation of applications for cooperative agreements under the Family Violence Prevention and Services Discretionary Grants Program to support a nationwide network composed of National Resource Centers, Special Issues Resource Centers, and Culturally Specific Special Issue Resource Centers focused on the intervention and prevention of family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence.

This network will consist of one National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV), one National Indian Resource Center Addressing Domestic Violence and Safety for Indian Women (NIRC), three Culturally  Specific Special Issue Resource Centers (CSIRC), and at least four Special Issue Resource Centers (SIRC).

Announcement Access: All four of the funding opportunity announcements have been posted online, additional details about each of the opportunities can be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/open/foa/office/acyf_fysb

Deadlines: Please note that applications are due on July 15, 2011 for all four of the funding opportunity announcements (NRCDV, NIRC, CSIRC, and SIRC).   Please also note that the NIRC application due date was incorrectly published with a July 16^th deadline.

NASW Attends Hill Briefing on Adoption

NASW staff recently attended a briefing about post adoption services hosted by a coalition of child welfare advocates that include the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute, Voice for Adoption, the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, and the Child Welfare League of America. NASW collaborates with many of these groups to improve the nation’s child welfare system.

In addition to four adoptive families relating their personal stories, Senator Amy Klobuchar spoke about her experience in assisting families in her district sort through complex international adoption issues that prompted her to introduce the Supporting Adoptive Families Act last year. Although most domestic adoptions are successful, she stressed the need for more data on why some adoptions are not. Most adoptions are from the child welfare system and include youth who have been abused, neglected and in need of a continuum of services to address various emotional and behavior issues. Policy solutions include recommendations to increase federal and state funding for post adoption support programs.

NASW Supports Reintroduction of Criminal Justice Legislation

In May, NASW endorsed the Byrne/JAG Program Accountability Act, H.R.1913.  The bill was reintroduced by Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN) and currently has 3 cosponsors. The Byrne/JAG Program Accountability Act would require all states and localities receiving funds through the Byrne/JAG Program to implement policies and practices to identify and reduce racial and ethnic disparities within their criminal justice systems, without establishing or requiring numerical standards or quotas.  Specifically, the bill would require Byrne Grant recipients to:

• Establish coordinating bodies of relevant stakeholders to oversee and monitor efforts to reduce racial and ethnic disparities;
• Identify and analyze key decision points in their criminal justice systems to determine which points create racial and ethnic disparities;
• Collect and analyze data to identify where racial and ethnic disparities exist in the criminal justice system;
• Develop and implement a work plan for reducing those disparities based on the data collected; and
• Publicly report each year on their efforts in the above areas.

For additional information, click here to read the press release.

Political Climate

In any given election cycle, roughly 1/3 of the U.S. Senate is up for reelection. There will be 33 seats up in 2012 (barring further resignations or retirements that would increase this number).  Currently, 23 of these seats are held by Democrats (including Democratic-leaning independents) and 10 by Republicans.  Since several of the Republican-held seats are safe for their party, they will undoubtedly focus on trying to take away Democratic seats.  The Democratic party, conversely, will primarily play defense and hold onto as many seats as possible, leaving it up to individual challengers to try and defeat Republican incumbents largely on their own. 

As the election draws nearer, NASW-PACE will take into account the viability of all incumbents, as well as their voting records on our most pressing issues, in considering endorsements.  We will also carefully evaluate the positions taken by challengers and their ability to win in the 2012 political climate.  All of our endorsements will be geared toward enhancing the number of elected federal officials who support the goals of social workers and their clients.

Federal Benefits are Going Electronic

The U.S. Department of the Treasury recently announced a new rule requiring all federal benefit and non-tax payments to be paid electronically. Anyone applying for Social Security, Veterans Affairs or other federal benefits, will receive their payments electronically starting with their first payment. Anyone currently receiving federal benefit checks must switch to an electronic payment option by March 1, 2013. People already receiving benefit payments electronically do not need to take action. They will continue to receive their payment as usual on the payment day. You can read more about this here.

Advocacy Blog Roundup

Oregon Passes Memorial Act in Support of Social Work Reinvestment Act

International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia Observed

State Toolkit – New Health Care Law Provisions for Young Adults

NASW Executive Director Dr. Elizabeth Clark on the Anita Estell Show

Advocacy Alert Roundup

URGENT Action Alert: Contact the House of Representatives TODAY

NASW is pleased to announce that our virtual advocacy days were a great success! Hundreds of social workers from across the country contacted their Senators and Representatives in support of the Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Social Work Reinvestment Act (S. 584/H.R. 1106). At the same time, NASW Board members, Chapter Executive Directors, and Presidents made over 160 visits to the hill asking their Members of Congress to cosponsor the legislation and join the Congressional Social Work Caucus.

Did you miss our virtual advocacy days? It’s not too late. Contact your Representative and Senators today and tell them that we need their support for our profession.

Congress Struggles over Major Policy Differences

Members of Congress returned to Washington on May 2 after a two-week recess, where many constituents voiced concerns over the House budget priorities.  Many GOP freshmen heard considerable constituent resistance to large Medicare spending and tax cuts for high income individuals that are key features of a House adopted budget resolution. Just before Congress recessed, the House passed Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan’s (R-WI) budget resolution that would greatly impact programs of concern to social workers. The House budget resolution would dramatically restructure and reduce Medicare and Medicaid, repeal and defund most features of healthcare reform, and significantly lower tax rates for higher-income tax payers.

While deficit reduction is cited by GOP leaders as the primary justification for the huge ten-year spending cuts in health programs, a Congressional Budget Office (CBO) analysis and other independent analysis of the resolution’s fiscal impact found very little deficit reduction in it. Most of the health care cuts are redirected into long-term tax rate cuts for higher income tax payers. Congress now begins consideration of two new major spending items, the annual appropriations bills that fund all federal agencies at the start of the fiscal year on Oct 1, and a debt ceiling measure that will carry major budget process changes in federal spending and tax policies. The next several months are expected to be contentious as Congress will remain deeply divided on tax and spending priorities.

Among NASW’s major concerns with the recently adopted House budget plan is that it would spend $2.53 trillion less on health care from 2012 to 2022 than President Obama has proposed. This amount includes a $1.4 trillion cut that Obama assumed to implement the health care law, $735 billion less for Medicaid, and $389 billion less for Medicare through 2022. Advocates including NASW have spoken out repeatedly against the House budget resolution. The Senate will not consider the House approved budget resolution, leaving Congress deadlocked on a budget plan for now. NASW remains committed to speaking up for health care and human needs in the budget battle, which is expected to continue for months.

Republicans Propose TANF Reauthorization

Staking out an early position on the upcoming reauthorization of the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program, Representative Jim Jordan (R-OH), chair of the House Republican Study Committee, has introduced the Welfare Reform Act of 2011, H.R.1167, which would reduce annual TANF funding by $1 billion, from $16.566 billion to $15.566 billion, eliminate a TANF caseload reduction credit, and impose work requirements for food stamp recipients.  Eligible recipients on strike because of a labor dispute would be barred from participating in the food stamp program. NASW opposes this legislation because it decreases funding for TANF and imposes work requirements for food stamp recipients while eliminating a TANF caseload reduction credit.

House Continues Drive for Health Care Reform Repeal

House Republicans remain firmly committed to repealing the health care reform law and are advancing small and large measures to achieve their objective. Early in April, the House Energy and Commerce Committee approved several bills to repeal important elements of the law including funding for state insurance exchanges (HR 1213), elimination of school-based health center construction funds (HR 1214) and repeal of the Prevention and Public Health Fund (HR 1217).  Each bill was approved along party lines in the Committee and they passed in the House. Democratic leaders in the Senate promptly announced they will not consider the repeal measures in that body. House proponents will likely attempt to attach the bills to other must pass legislation later in the year.

New Resources Available Online

The Urban Institute has released an analysis entitled, “Who Will Be Uninsured after Health Insurance Reform?” The brief (link here) finds that national health reform will substantially change both the number and the composition of the uninsured. The Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured, in partnership with the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, has released a report entitled, “Medicaid Policy Options for Meeting the Needs of Adults with Mental Illness under the Affordable Care Act.” The report describes a roundtable discussion on Medicaid policy options available under health reform to help meet the needs of adults with mental illness. The report is intended to help advocates and states facing decisions about designing benefits, structuring service delivery and conducting outreach and enrollment for adults with mental illness. The report is part of an ongoing series of Health Reform Roundtables exploring key issues related to implementing Medicaid expansion under health reform.

NASW Attends National Urban League Legislative Conference

NASW attended the National Urban League Legislative Conference held in Washington, D.C.   The “State of Black America” Town Hall meeting focused on the employment crisis in urban America.  NASW staff also participated in their advocacy day to discuss comprehensive solutions for economic recovery and high unemployment rates, particularly in the urban communities.

NASW’s position is that inequality and unemployment must be eradicated in communities of color, and policymakers should strongly promote initiatives that help rebuild the lives of individuals, families, and communities.  NASW will continue to advance legislation that promotes policies to help the unemployed.

During the National Urban League’s Policy Conference, Representative Edolphus Towns (D-N.Y.) was honored with its Congressional Leadership Award.  Rep. Towns is a social work Member of Congress and the lead House sponsor for the Dr. Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Social Work Reinvestment Act and Chair of the Congressional Social Work Caucus.  We applaud the tireless efforts of Representative Towns and look forward to his consistent advocacy on behalf of the social work profession.

The President Proclaims April as Child Abuse Prevention Month

On March 31, President Obama signed a proclamation designating April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. In it, he called on all Americans to renew our commitment to preventing child abuse and neglect by promoting healthy families and protecting children: “From schools to local social service agencies, we can work together to protect the well‑being of our children by recognizing the signs of violence and creating safe, stable, and nurturing environments that safeguard the promise of their futures.”

NASW Attends Briefing on Birthright Citizenship

On March 31, 2011, NASW staff attended a briefing called, “The Historical and Constitutional Underpinnings of Birthright Citizenship”, at the Center for American Progress.  The Fourteenth Amendment guarantees that “all persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.”  Some in Congress are considering taking away citizenship from individuals born in the United States if their parents are not U.S. citizens.

NASW Co-hosts Congressional Briefing on Child Abuse Deaths in America

As part of The National Coalition to End Child Abuse Deaths, NASW co-hosted a Congressional briefing on Child Abuse Deaths in America on April 5, 2011. Law and Order SVU actor, Tamara Tunie presented a petition to Chairman David Camp asking Congress to hold hearings on child abuse deaths. Chairman Camp was the honorary host and announced that he will hold hearings after the Government Accountability Office study on Child Abuse Deaths is released in June.

NASW Executive Director, Dr. Elizabeth Clark was an expert witness on the panel and responded to questions from the audience of allied organizations, press, and Congressional staff. She said lawmakers also need to know the importance of supporting a sustainable child welfare workforce. “We need the frontline workers out there,” she said.

Advocacy Blog Roundup

Partnership for Patients Teleconference April 21, 2011

NASW’s First Virtual Lobby Day – April 28, 2011

HHS Announces Plan to Reduce Health Disparities

Take One Step to Stop Child Abuse Deaths

Advocacy Listserv Activity

In the months of March and April, 4,161 activists sent 6,399 advocacy messages to Congress through Capwiz. The most active alert was about the Dr. Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Social Work Reinvestment Act.  Thanks to all of you who took the time to take action!  To see all alerts, go here.