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... 

April 2010 – First Edition Political Climate After Health Care Reform was signed into law, Congress left on a much needed recess in late March and early April.  Politically speaking, most Members of Congress are trying to improve their polling numbers at a time when many Americans have expressed anti-incumbent sentiments.  As a result, legislators don’t seem to have much appetite for especially controversial... 

March 2010 Political Climate Other than the year-long health care battle, which appears to be approaching an end game through the reconciliation process, Capitol Hill is focused on two primary issues.  One is the budgetary process.  President Obama has submitted his budgetary requests to Congress, but it is up to the House and Senate to actually create the budget itself.  NASW is lobbying extensively in areas where... 

Take Action Now! – Social Work Reinvestment On February 3, Ed Towns (NY-10) introduced H.R. 795, the Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Social Work Reinvestment Act. To date there are 38 cosponsors. The act establishes a Social Work Reinvestment Commission to address the future of the profession. It also establishes demonstration programs that address the current state of the social work profession. You... 

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

Employment Non-Discrimination Act NASW continues to work diligently on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (H.R.3017/S.1584).  With 194 sponsors in the House of Representatives and 44 in the Senate, E.N.D.A. has begun to attract enormous attention.  The Employment Non-Discrimination Act is dedicated to the principle that every worker should be judged solely on his or her merits.  Further, hardworking Americans should... 

House Passes Health Care Reform Legislation In an historic vote, the House passed major health care reform legislation on November 7, with a vote of 220-215. NASW supported the health care reform bill (H.R. 3962), which included a Medicare provision allowing clinical social workers to bill independently for serving certain nursing home residents. However, we were greatly disappointed in the passage of the Stupak/Pitts... 

Video: Can We Live up to the Social Work Legacy? Please take a moment to view a video NASW just recorded for you regarding the Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Social Work Reinvestment Act (H.R. 795/ S.686. This legislation is a first step to address serious workforce challenges such as low salaries, high educational debt, and safety concerns and will determine the best course of action to strengthen... 

Congress at home for August Recess Members of Congress are in their home districts for the August recess through September 7. Sonia Sotomayor wins Senate Confirmation to the Supreme Court and is Sworn in On August 6, Sonia Sotomayor won Senate confirmation to the Supreme Court, making her the 111th Supreme Court Justice and the third woman Justice. She is the first Latina to serve on the Court. Sotomayor was confirmed...