Federal Long-Term Care Program Slated for Changes before Implementation An important component of the federal health care reform law is a provision creating a new voluntary national insurance program for long-term services and supports, known as the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act. The CLASS Act is a voluntary cash benefit program designed to assist beneficiaries with the cost of long-term... 

House Preps Big Cuts in Domestic Spending House Republicans are preparing legislation funding the government for the remainder of the current fiscal year and finishing up appropriations legislation deferred late last year when Democrats lost control of the House. The “continuing resolution” or CR is necessary to fund the government for the last seven months of the current fiscal year, beginning on March 4. Separately,... 

CAPTA Reauthorization Bill Signed Into Law On December 20, President Obama signed into law the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Reauthorization Act of 2010 (CAPTA), formerly S. 3817. The law promotes the use of differential response in child protective services, gives special attention to the co-occurrence of child maltreatment and domestic violence, and sharpens the prevention focus of the community-based child abuse... 

Due to the holidays and the anticipated adjournment of Congress, News from the Hill will publish only one edition in December. Congress Approves CAPTA Reauthorization Bill The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) Reauthorization Act of 2010, S. 3817, passed the final legislative hurdle on December 10 when the Senate, by unanimous consent, agreed to the few minor amendments made in the bill passed by the House... 

Election 2010 With the elections now over, we wanted to briefly recap the results and look forward to the 112th Congress. Although a few results are incomplete, more than 80% of PACE-endorsed candidates were victorious (member ID and password required). We are proud of the work NASW members did in support of endorsed candidates, and we thank those of you who shared stories from the campaign trail. Also, there will be... 

Political Action for Candidate Election In our last message, we alerted you to the first round of endorsements issued by the PACE Board of Trustees (members only).  In late August we issued more, and then round out the endorsements in late September (after all primaries have been completed). On one hand, endorsements indicate support from PACE as well as the social workers who comprise the PACE... 

Political Climate We’re approaching a crucial time in any election cycle: the deadline for federal candidates to report their second quarter fundraising figures.  By July 15, everyone running for Congress must tell the Federal Elections Commission how much they’ve raised through June 30. This is important for a few reasons.  For one, we’ll know how much money individuals have raised on their... 

Political Climate Although it may feel like November’s election is off in the distance, there are actually very few legislative days left for Members of Congress.  For one thing, the House and Senate will go into recess around holidays, such as the Fourth of July.  Secondly, Congress will leave for good well in advance of the election in order to focus on campaigning back home.  This means... 

Political Climate The primary season began in earnest on Tuesday, May 18 and we learned several important lessons that night.  For one, voter turnout was not particularly high, defying the expectations of many observers who believed voter anger would voice itself loudly at the first opportunity.  Second, the night clearly went better for Democrats than it did for Republicans.  The hard fought special... 

Political Climate With the health care debate now behind us, Capitol Hill and the Obama Administration have moved on to other things.  Issues of great significance include a pending Supreme Court nomination, fluctuating news on employment, and several Congressional primary races that will give shape to the November general election.  At this point in the year, many Members of Congress are focused on both a wide...