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 Board of Trustees.  But in a larger sense, our support for a candidate or incumbent is meant to encourage social workers to get involved in the political process.  The reason we endorse is not simply a matter of insider politics here in Washington; it’s because we believe that the candidate or member of Congress represents the best ideals of social workers.

We e-mail NASW members with information on endorsed candidates in addition to providing the information on our website.  We hope that if you receive such a message from us, you’ll strongly consider volunteering for the candidate or incumbent in question.  Active engagement in the political process is crucial in every election, but especially in the hotly contested Congressional races we see across the country this year.

So if you’re a member of NASW, we thank you for any time and energy you’re willing to commit toward an endorsed campaign.  You can also help PACE continue its work by contributing here.  If you’re not a member, please consider that PACE can only affect political races to the extent of our members’ involvement in those races.  The more people we have on board, the greater our impact, and the greater the benefit for social workers and their clients.  That’s just one of the many benefits of NASW membership.

Senator Dodd Plans a National Children’s Commission

At a hearing a few weeks ago before the Senate Subcommittee on Children and Families, Senator Christopher Dodd (D-CT) expressed his intention to introduce legislation with the aim of establishing a commission on children.  The Senator is calling for the establishment of a national body to assess children’s wellbeing, make policy recommendations on the needs of children, and look at the issues facing them as a cohesive group of policy concerns.  Legislation is still being developed and has not yet been introduced.  Dodd has been the long-time chair of the subcommittee and has long championed services for vulnerable children and their families.  He has announced plans to retire from the Senate at the end of this year. He and his subcommittee heard from Alma Powell, the chairwoman of the America’s Promise Alliance and other hearing panelists expressed the need to improve high school graduation rates, reduce childhood obesity and poverty, provide high-quality, affordable preschool and after-care options for working parents, and access to health care for children. NASW agrees with the concerns expressed by the panelists and continues to advocate on behalf of our nation’s most vulnerable children and families. For more information about our advocacy efforts, go here.

Social Workers Mobilize on Medicare Rates

NASW has launched an advocacy campaign seeking reconsideration of proposed Medicare payment reductions for mental health services delivered by clinical social workers and psychologists. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule in July for the 2011 Medicare Part B “physician fee schedule” that would significantly reduce Medicare payments to clinical social workers and psychologists that bill Medicare Part B services. The highly complex rule addresses changes in the physician fee schedule and other Medicare Part B payment policies to ensure that rates are updated to reflect changes in medical practice and the relative value of services.

Last week NASW mobilized social workers from across the nation to urge CMS to reconsider the proposed rule and obtained support from a group of congressional representatives. On August 24th, Members of the House sent this letter to CMS urging their reconsideration of the rule on social workers’ behalf. Social workers and the American Psychological Association working together secured three champions on the issue in the U.S. House, Reps. Paul D. Tonko (D-NY), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Lois Capps (D-CA). The three spearheaded the letter from 22 House members to Donald Berwick, M.D., the CMS Administrator, urging the agency to consider the harm the proposed rule will have on Medicare mental health services. NASW hopes the letter from Congress and comments from social workers will persuade CMS to reconsider the rule before it is finalized later this year. Details on the proposed rate reduction are available in this recent NASW Alert.

Two weeks ago NASW and the Clinical Social Work Association sent this strong comment letter to CMS objecting to the rule and asking social workers to deliver similar comments to reinforce our message. NASW advocates were directed how to make formal comments in the federal rule making process. Mobilizing broad social work participation is an important strategy because CMS must pay attention to comments it receives in high volume. The formal comment process closed on August 24, 2010, and NASW is now awaiting issuance of a final rule from CMS before taking further action. (more…)

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 own, but also in the context of their opponent’s cash on hand figures.  A figure of $700,000 might seem like a lot; it matters whether one’s opponent has $200,000 or $2,000,000 at the same point in time.  Second quarter numbers tend to kick-start the season in which more polling is released.  Whether a candidate has outraised their opponent or not, they all want to prove that either their financial edge is showing in the polls as well, or that in spite of mediocre fundraising they’re still doing well in the eyes of voters.  In addition, more money means more ads on television, radio, and the internet.  This is how issues emerge and races begin to take shape, rather than earlier timeframes when voters are just getting to know candidates. Once the second quarter numbers are available, our ability to analyze the general political landscape as well as specific races will markedly improve.

Obama Appoints Dr. Donald Berwick as CMS Administrator

On Wednesday, July 7, 2010, President Obama bypassed the Senate and appointed Dr. Donald Berwick Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The President’s action, known as a recess appointment, allowed Berwick to immediately lead CMS and avoids what was expected to become a partisan fight in the Senate over the nominee. NASW had joined with many other national health organizations in endorsing Dr. Berwick’s strong qualifications for the position and in urging the Senate to quickly approve his nomination.

The White House justified the action because of clear signs that Republican senators intended to stall the confirmation process. The White House also argued that Berwick’s rapid installation is necessary to keep on track with implementing the new health reform law. The recess appointment enables Berwick, a well regarded international health care quality expert, to serve through December 2011 without Senate confirmation. He will also be eligible for re-nomination to the position at the end of next year.

In other recent reform news, the Kaiser Family Foundation announced that public support for the new law has begun to climb from 41 percent to 48 percent in the past month, see report here.

New Online Health Care Tool Now Available to Consumers

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has unveiled a new online tool to help consumers take control of their health care by connecting them to information and resources that will help them access quality, affordable health care coverage. Known as HealthCare.gov, the web site provides consumers with information on both public and private health coverage options tailored to their needs in a single, easy-to-use tool. The site has a central database of health coverage options, combining information about programs ranging from Medicare to the new Pre-Existing Conditions Insurance Plan, including information from more than 1,000 private insurance plans.

HealthCare.gov will expand as components of the new law become effective. In October 2010, price estimates for health insurance plans will be available online and information on preventing disease and illness and improving the quality of health care. Eventually the site will include pricing and plan performance information so that consumers can see, understand and make meaningful choices about their health coverage.

NASW Joins Groups on GINA Letter to EEOC

On June 29, NASW joined several health organizations on a letter to Jacqueline A. Berrien, Chair, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), urging the EEOC to remain consistent with Title I regulations regarding genetic information and use the same approach other cabinet departments did when they issued their interim final rule about GINA and employment title.

The letter asks the EEOC to ensure that in “addressing the collection of genetic information through ‘health risk assessment’-style questionnaires, the EEOC takes the same approach as the Depts. of Health and Human Services, Labor and Treasury when they issued their interim final rule – namely that answering questions on family history or genetics is entirely optional.

In 2008, the Genetics Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) was signed into law.  One of GINA’s most important tenets is that individuals have the right to keep their genetic information private without penalty. The provision of genetic information must be truly voluntary.  The letter states, “if the EEOC regulations were to allow employers to penalize employees who do not divulge genetic information, it would greatly undermine the protections Congress deliberately included in GINA and create an untenable inconsistency with the regulations implementing Title I.

NASW Supports the Seniors’ Bill of Rights

Recently, NASW sent a letter to fellow social worker, Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) thanking her for introducing a resolution supporting the Seniors’ Bill of Rights. The Seniors’ Bill of Rights, S. Res. 553, is an important resolution that urges Congress to uphold the dignity and independence of older Americans by supporting efforts that guarantee financial security; quality and affordable health and long-term care; protection from abuse, scams, and exploitation; a strong economy now and for future generations; and safe and livable communities with adequate housing and transportation options. As stated in the letter, “NASW strongly supports these rights”.  S. Res. 553 is the companion resolution to H. Res. 1342 introduced by Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL).

Advocacy Blog Roundup

NASW supports Recommendations on Achieving the

Millennium Development Goals

Care of Veterans Being Addressed

Alert Roundup

Support Legislation to Ban Corporal Punishment in Schools

Ask President Obama to Push Ratification of CEDAW

Advocacy Listserv Activity

In the month of June, 255 activists sent 378 advocacy messages to Congress through Capwiz. The most active alerts were about the Tax Extenders Bill and the Social Work Reinvestment Act.  Thanks to all of you who took the time to take action!  To see all alerts, go here.

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 that most (but not all) legislative business is either taken care of or will simply have to wait until after November 2.

At present, most political analysts are forecasting extremely close margins in both the House and Senate.  The Democrats will either barely hang on to majorities in one or both houses, or the Republicans will narrowly take over one or both chambers, with the House being their likeliest chance at a small majority.  As a result, both parties are shifting their focus slightly away from policy and legislation and toward voters and electoral strategies.

DC Voting Rights Act and Party Politics

NASW, in collaboration with other social justice advocates, continues to seek enactment of the D.C. Voting Rights Act.  However, the seven-year effort to secure a vote in the House of Representatives has stalled due to several events, most notably a gun amendment as well as mid-term election year politics.  Coalition partners, along with NASW, are considering viable alternatives to counteract its opponents.

Representative Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) has strongly indicated to NASW and the civil rights community that without the gun language, the D.C. Voting Rights Act would be difficult to move prior to the mid-term elections.  The optimism of the previous 18 months is now restricted by political reality and compromise politics.  Despite such, NASW will persist in its pursuit of fairness and equality for the disenfranchised residents of the District of Columbia.

President Obama Reveals the Patient’s Bill of Rights

On June 22, President Obama unveiled new regulations, called the Patient’s Bill of Rights, to help build support and further educate the American people about the new health care law, the Affordable Health care Act.  The Affordable Health Care Act was signed into law on March 23, 2010.

The interim final regulations issued by the Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and Treasury would apply to most health plans renewing on or after Sept. 23.  The new rules apply to most health plans, except in cases where they are “grandfathered” under the law.

The five rules include the following:

• Guaranteed coverage for children with pre-existing health problems.
• A ban on lifetime coverage limits.
• Phasing out annual coverage limits.
• Prohibiting insurers from canceling the policies of people who get sick.
• Guaranteed choice of primary care doctors and pediatricians from a plan’s network.

For more information, click on the Patient’s Bill of Rights fact sheet.

Advocacy Blog Roundup

Secretary Sebelius Talks about Women’s Health

DOL Clarifies Meaning of “in loco parentis” in the FMLA

Congressional Hearing on Cyber bullying

Learn more about the Federal strategy to address homelessness

Congressional Hearing on Corporal Punishment in Schools

As Congress Struggles, CMS Resumes Processing Medicare Claims

Support Essential Extenders Legislation, H.R. 4213

Alert and Update Roundup

Congress Restores Medicare Rates, CMS Resumes Processing Claims

As Congress Struggles, CMS Resumes Processing Medicare Claims

Ask Congress to Stop Child Abuse Deaths

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 election in PA-12 was decisively won by Democrat Mark Critz over Republican Tim Burns.  Rep. Joe Sestak, who polling has shown to be the stronger candidate in a November general election matchup, toppled longtime Sen. Arlen Specter.  In Kentucky, we saw progressive state Attorney General Jack Conway advance to take on staunch conservative Rand Paul in the race to succeed retiring Sen. Jim Bunning (R).  Moderate Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D) will have to confront progressive challenger Lt. Gov. Bill Halter in a runoff, since Lincoln was unable to cross the 50% threshold necessary to win the primary outright.

Less than 24 hours after the conclusion of these primaries, we saw general election foes confronting one another with negative attacks.  Republicans are trying to contain any impression that Tuesday’s results don’t bode well for their long term prospects this year, while Democrats are basing their narrative on the idea that voters evidently still support them.

While we certainly can’t speculate on what this all means for the remaining 5+ months of this year’s election cycle, we can say one thing for sure: this year’s midterm elections will continue to be spirited, intense, and hard fought, right through to November 2.

President Obama Unveils the 2010 National Drug Control Strategy

On May 11, President Obama unveiled the 2010 National Drug Control Strategy.  The strategy was developed by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) with input from Federal, State and local partners.  Highlights of the strategy include:

• Strengthen efforts to prevent drug use in communities including a focus on inhalants, pain killers, “study drugs” and steroids and curtailing drugged driving.
• Seek early intervention opportunities in health care especially by increasing the knowledge of healthcare providers in screening and brief intervention techniques.
• Integrate treatment for substance use disorders into health care, and expand support for recovery.
• Break the cycle of drug use, crime, delinquency and incarceration, including supporting alternatives to incarceration such as drug- and problem-solving courts.
• Disrupt Domestic Drug Trafficking and production with attention to domestic methamphetamine production and criminal distribution of prescription medications for nonmedicinal purposes
• Strengthen international partnerships.
• Improve information systems for analysis, assessment and local management.

For more information on the Strategy, go to http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/strategy/

DC Voting Rights Act Stalled

The D.C. Voting Rights Act attempts to enfranchise over 550,000 District of Columbia residents through the addition of one House seat for our Nation’s Capitol and another for the Republican-leaning state of Utah, which is the next state scheduled to pick up a seat according to the census count.  However, despite the efforts of NASW as well as its coalition partners, H.R.175 was stalled due to significant alterations to the controversial gun amendment orchestrated by Reps. Childers (D-Miss.) and Souder (R-Ind.).  NASW will continue to pursue enactment of the D.C. Voting Rights Act since social workers seek equality for all.

Congress Struggles over Medicare Rate Legislation

This legislation is active and we will post a blog about any developments later today, May 28, 2010. (more…)

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 range of policy issues as well as their reelection prospects.

While Democrats are expected to suffer losses this year, experts widely disagree on the number (House seat estimates have ranged from 25 all the way to 60).  That said, it’s important to remember one thing about any election in which the minority party is trying to overwhelm the majority party: only in the summer and fall are the challengers truly tested, in both fundraising and campaigning.  Those Republican candidates trying to defeat entrenched Democrats will have to maintain a significant fundraising pace and avoid gaffes on the campaign trail.  Any error in either category could cost the GOP potential seats.

These remarks are not meant to be partisan in nature because the Democrats were in a similar position in 2006 as well as 2008.  In each of those years some Democratic challengers were unable to defeat Republican incumbents due to either lackluster fundraising, a disappointing campaign, or both.  At the same time, the Democrats won a significant number of seats in the House and the Senate, eventually taking over the majority.  The GOP is likely to repeat that pattern this year, enjoying a sizeable number of wins, but not necessarily as many as their most optimistic supporters would like.

Remembering Dr. Dorothy I. Height

NASW and the social work community were devastated by the loss of Dr. Dorothy I. Height on April 20, 2010. One of the world’s most important social workers, Dr. Height was a civil rights legend who spent a lifetime advocating for the rights of women and people of color. Dr. Height worked on five continents for four major national organizations during her lifetime. Dr. Height was the only female team member in the United Civil Rights Leadership which included Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,  Whitney Young, A. Philip Randolph, James Farmer, Roy Wilkins and John Lewis. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1997, the Congressional Gold Medal in 2004, and was inducted into the Democracy Hall of Fame International. NASW was honored to award Dr. Height with the 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award.

The most comprehensive piece of federal legislation ever introduced to address social work workforce challenges was named after Dr. Height and fellow social worker Whitney Young. NASW Executive Director Dr. Elizabeth Clark penned a tribute to Dr. Height and discussed her support of the legislation bearing her name. Honor the legacy of Dr. Height today by contacting your Representative and Senators in support of this critical legislation.

NASW Joins Young Invincibles In Support of Early Dependent Coverage

NASW joined 65 state and national groups on a letter asking insurance companies to start dependent coverage early.  The letter was generated by Young Invincibles, a national youth advocacy group focused on health reform.  (more…)

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 bills through the late spring and summer.  Both parties want to avoid negative attention; Republicans because it could hinder their potential electoral gains in November and Democrats because they want to limit whatever losses they could suffer in the House and Senate.  Still, the budgetary process awaits Congress upon their return.  That always involves a certain amount of partisan wrangling, especially at a time when Congress simply must fund certain programs while remaining mindful of the federal deficit and possible arguments that they are spending too much money.

NASW Releases “Legal Issue of the Month” on Federal Parity Rules
Social workers now have an important resource available to understand the new federal mental health parity law. NASW has just released its April 2010 issue of Legal Issue of the Month, which provides an overview of new interim final regulations for the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addictions Equity Act of 2008 (Parity Act). Three federal agencies are responsible for implementing the Parity Act rules, and they have jointly issued a set of interim final rules that detail requirements for health plans subject to the new law.  The much-anticipated regulations provide a 90-day public comment period, ending May 3, 2010, and NASW is currently preparing extensive comments on the new rules that advocate for the interests of consumers and the profession.

The Interim Parity Rule became effective April 5, 2010, and is generally applicable to health plans with plan years beginning on or after July 1, 2010.  The Legal Issue of the Month article provides a summary of the regulations to aid in understanding whether patients’ rights are being effectively protected under the new law. The new issue appears here and NASW members must login in with their userID and password to access the article.

Professional Social Worker Services in Health Care Reform
Wondering what’s in the new health care reform law to advance the social work profession? NASW recently released a very popular briefing on the various ways the new law will directly impact the social work profession. Interested social workers may view it here.

White House Provides Resources on Health Care Reform Law
The White House website offers a wide array of materials to explain the new federal health care reform law and its impact on consumers, providers, businesses and payers.  You may find these resources helpful as you seek reliable information and explanations of the complex new law. Social workers that wish to learn more about the law in easily understood briefing sheets should see the White House website here.

What About Medicare Rates for Part B Practitioners?
Many NASW members have recently contacted the national office requesting information about pending legislation to address Medicare billing rates for all Part B independent practitioners, including clinical social workers. Since Congress has been recessed for the past two weeks, there has been no new action since our last update. It may be found here. The Senate is expected to pass this provision by April 16.

Time is Running Out! Reinvest in the Profession.
With less than 60 days left in the Congressional calendar, we are running out of time in the 111^th Congress to pass the Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Social Work Reinvestment Act (H.R. 795/S. 686). Contact your Representative and Senators TODAY in support of this bill. We really need your help if you are represented by any members of the House Committee on Education and Labor. We already have 83 cosponsors in the House and 12 in the Senate but if we are unsuccessful in passing this bill, we will have to start over in the 112^th Congress.

Congressman Towns Contacts President Obama and Secretary Sebelius in Support of Social Work
The lead sponsor of the Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Social Work Reinvestment Act, Congressman and social worker Ed Towns (D-NY) sent a letter to the President and Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) urging them to establish a Social Work Reinvestment Commission within the HHS. Rep. Towns says that, “social workers are a key resource for the nation’s most vulnerable populations including older adults, children, the impoverished, veterans, and people at risk for disparate health and behavioral health services access.” He goes on to state that workforce challenges are preventing our profession from recruiting and retaining enough social workers to keep pace with the increasing demand for our services. Rep. Towns states that, “The federal government has previously invested in comparable professions such as nursing and teaching when faced with workforce shortages. We now much focus on social work by establishing this Commission…” NASW thanks Rep. Towns for his unwavering support of the profession.

Help for Veterans Who are Homeless
Not long after Barack Obama was elected President, he worked closely with Eric Shinseki, Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), on eliminating homelessness among people who are veterans.  The issue became so important that Sec. Shinseki publicly stated that he wanted to completely end veteran homelessness by 2015.

The VA is taking some immediate steps to aid homeless veterans.  Recently, a webpage was created  on the VA site.  If you know or work with a veteran who is homeless, please pass this information along to them.

Congressional Hearing about Educating Diverse Students
The House Education and Labor Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education held a hearing on March 18, 2010 titled “Elementary and Secondary Education Act Reauthorization: Addressing the Needs of Diverse Students.”  The purpose of the hearing was to examine how schools can appropriately educate low-income, minority, English Language Learners, disabled, Native American, and homeless students within the context of reauthorizing  the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), currently known as the No Child Left Behind Act.

This goal was expressed by Subcommittee Chairman Representative Dale Kildee (D-MI) in his opening statement: “While the No Child Left Behind Act shed light on the inequalities in our education system, it unfortunately did not do enough to close the achievement gap for diverse students…This must be a top priority for future steps in education reform.”

To this end, the Subcommittee considered recommendations from a panel of educators, advocates, and a researcher working to close the achievement gap for diverse students. They included Dr. Daniel Curry, Superintendent for the Lake Forest School District in Felton, Delaware, Dr. Jack Dale, Superintendent for Fairfax County Public Schools in Falls Church, Virginia, Arelis Diaz, Assistant Superintendent for Godwin Heights Public Schools in Wyoming, Michigan, Dr. David Gipp, President of United Tribes Technical College (UTTC), Jacqui Farmer Kearns, Principal Investigator for the National Alternate Assessment Center, and Michael Wotorson, Executive Director of Campaign for High School Equity. (more…)

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 we want to see the President’s figures maintained or even increased in the final budget.  The other issue is reelection campaigns.  Although it is only March, each passing year seems to generate polling data earlier in the election cycle.  While many republican challengers are off to a strong start, it is important to remember that it’s always easier for a challenger to criticize the majority than it is to demonstrate what they would do differently if elected.  So while the GOP has recruited many capable candidates this cycle, they have not been asked to fully explain their own policy agenda at this point, nor have they borne the brunt of Democratic counter attacks.  Thus, it is important to let the 2010 election cycle mature for a few more months before forecasting too many races.

Health Care Reform Update
Democratic Congressional leaders are working to finalize their compromise health care reform legislation. On March 15, the House Budget Committee voted 21-16 to report favorably the healthcare reconciliation package.  The measure now moves to the Rules committee and possible final vote in the House by Saturday, March 20.   As negotiations continue, the Congressional Budget Office is determining the cost of the bill.   The measure will then be reviewed by all members of Congress to ensure there are enough votes for passage. The reconciliation process is complex and can be delayed considerably by Senate floor amendments, but supporters believe this is their only way of securing passage of the critical measure.  The reconciliation process is a normal legislative process and has been used repeatedly to pass major health care laws. NASW is following closely the process and anticipates calling on all social workers to support the bill, once legislative details are fleshed out. For more about NASW’s activities in this area, please see our special webpage here.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
On March 9, the Senate voted down an amendment put forward by Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) and Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) that included a six month-extension of the TANF Emergency fund established in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). It is expected that this amendment will be brought up again. States are relying on the TANF Emergency Fund to provide basic cash assistance, short-term benefits, and subsidized employment programs to increasing numbers of poor families with children.  Currently, thirty states and the District of Columbia have used this fund to create more than 100,000 jobs for low-income parents.

State Budget Cuts Impact Child Welfare Programs
At a time when demand for child welfare services is growing and more investments are needed to increase the number of child welfare workers and improve their working conditions, salaries and benefits, the faltering economy is driving record state budget deficits and reductions in child welfare services.  NPR aired a 2-part story on this issue.  In part 1, Michael Petit, a social worker, NASW member, and President and Founder of Every Child Matters, was quoted regarding the state budget cuts.   Part 2 addressed the long term consequences of these cuts.

Recently, many of you wrote to Congress in support of the “We Can Do Better” campaign, part of a multi-organizational strategy to garner federal government support for child welfare.  In addition, NASW has launched a “Child Welfare Initiative,” to strengthen the system. A key component of this initiative is to advocate for public policies that improve social workers’ ability to protect our nation’s vulnerable children and families.

NASW’s legislative agenda for the remainder of the Session of Congress includes increasing sponsorship of the Child Welfare Workforce Improvement Act (S. 2837), the Teri Zenner Social Worker Safety Act (H.R. 1490), and the reauthorization of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA).

Please urge your members of Congress to take action on these bills to make child well-being a national priority.

Professional Social Work Month Resolution Introduced
On March 11, Rep. Carol Shea-Porter introduced a resolution, H. Res. 1167 to honor and recognize “with gratitude the contributions of the millions of caring individuals who have chosen to serve their communities through social work” during Professional Social Work Month.   To view the full resolution, go here.

NASW Cosponsors Public Health Briefing
On March 2, over 80 congressional staff and interested organizations participated in the 6th annual Public Health Briefing 101 entitled, “Building Capacity to Meet America’s Mounting Health Needs” hosted by the Coalition for Health Funding.   The briefing provided information about the public health continuum and its needs.  NASW was a cosponsor of the briefing.  To view the presentation of the briefing speakers, go here.

HHS Secretary Testifies Before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee
On March 10, Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Kathleen Sebelius testified about the FY 2011 HHS budget request before the Senate Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Subcommittee.   In her testimony, Secretary Sebelius noted that the HHS budget “promotes projects that will rebuild our economy by investing in next generation research and the advanced development of technology that will help us find cures for diseases, innovative new treatments, and new ways to keep Americans safe, whether we are facing a pandemic or a potential terrorist attack.”  In addition, Secretary Sebelius testified on HHS’ proposed investment in the NIH, public health preparedness, health IT, increasing the public health workforce and on-going prevention efforts.   To view Secretary Sebelius’ testimony, go here.

DeGette, Castle Introduce Stem Cell Bill
On March 10, Reps. Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Mike Castle (R-DE) introduced H.R. 4808, the Stem Cell Research Advancement Act “to ensure a lasting ethical framework” for human stem cell research at NIH. According to a statement issued by Reps. DeGette and Castle, the Stem Cell Research Advancement Act) builds on President Obama’s March 2009 Executive Order overturning former President Bush’s restrictions on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research.

NASW recognizes the significant ethical issues raised about embryonic stem cell research, as well as the variety of views and opinions on such research.  However, there is evidence that stem cell research shows great promise, both for persons suffering from a range of illnesses and for streamlining and expediting the development of new medications.   To view the full press release, go here.

Congress Advances Medicare Rate Provisions

For the past several weeks the Senate has considered temporary legislative provisions that would halt the so-called Medicare “physician fee cut” that sets Part B payment rates for clinical social workers and all independent Medicare outpatient providers. The legislation also restores a separate five-percent cut that hit Medicare psychotherapy rates on the first of this year. NASW expects this temporary measure will be completed soon, but a longer-term correction will be necessary later this year. For background on the complex issues involving clinical social fees, see NASW’s advocacy blog posts here.

Senate Hearing on Childhood Obesity
Consistent with First Lady Michelle Obama’s campaign to confront the issue of childhood obesity, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions heard testimony on March 4, 2010, about the prevalence of obesity among America’s youth. Panelists included Dr. Regina Benjamin, U.S. Surgeon General; Dr. Joseph Thompson, Director of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Center to Prevent Childhood Obesity; Dr. Sandra Hassink, Chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics Obesity Leadership Workgroup; and Pittsburgh Steelers Running Back Rashard Mendenhall.

NASW recognizes childhood obesity as an major public health concern, with significant implications for future U.S. health care costs. Obese children are being diagnosed with health problems previously considered to be “adult” illnesses, such as Type II diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, and fatty liver disease. Overweight and obese children are at risk for a host of serious future illnesses, including heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer. Obesity and related complications disproportionately affect racial and ethnic minority children and children living in poverty.

NASW applauds Congress’ acknowledgment of this multi-dimensional issue and its efforts to address it. To view the hearing’s video and for more information, go here.

Social Work Reinvestment
NASW Executive Director Dr. Elizabeth Clark and senior NASW staff recently met with Congressman John Lewis to discuss TANF reauthorization as well as his support of the Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Social Work Reinvestment Act. Congressman Lewis knew Whitney Young well and had spoken with Dr. Height recently and remarked that they would want him to be a supporter of the bill. If you are his constituent, thank Congressman Lewis today or write your own Representative thanking them for their support. Contact your Senators as well.

One of the key provisions of the Act is the social work reinvestment commission. Such a commission would address social work workforce shortages and develop recommendations and strategies to ensure that social workers can continue to provide services and resources to an ever-increasing client base. NASW is working with House and Senate appropriators to obtain report language that focuses on placing the social work reinvestment commission in the FY11 Appropriations Labor, Health and Human Services bills in the House and Senate.   The other proposed report language is focused on developing opportunities for social workers to conduct research. According to the Congressional Research Service, report language is detailed guidance to federal departments and agencies outlined in appropriations bills that may require or encourage departments or agencies to take specified action or refrain from taking a certain action.

Recently Dr. Elizabeth Clark and senior members of NASW staff met with Ms. Justine Sarver, Deputy Chief of Staff of Health and Human Services (HHS); Pamela Hyde, Administrator, SAMHSA; Mary Wakefield, Administrator, HRSA; Bryan Samuels, Commissioner, Administration for Children, Youth and Families; Dr. H. Westley Clark, Director, Substance Abuse Treatment, SAMHSA; and Irene Hsu, Special Assistant, Office of the Chief of Staff.  Our meeting centered on the need for HHS to establish a time-limited, high level commission to specifically look at issues facing the social work workforce across all of the fields and roles that are critical to HHS.  Workforce issues are of importance throughout HHS, so we also discussed ways we could collaborate to address needs specific to each area.

Women’s History Month
March is Women’s History Month and NASW’S longstanding advocacy as well as success on women’s issues prompted an invitation from the Women in Politics Institute to attend a panel discussion and reception acknowledging the contributions of women in government, including those within the Obama Administration.  The event will occur on March 23, 2010 at the Katzen Arts Center on the campus of American University located in Washington, D.C.  Invited guests include the following luminaries: The Honorable Melanne Verveer, Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues, U.S. Department of State; Tina Tchen, Director, White House Office of Public Engagement;  and Anita McBride, Former Chief of Staff to First Lady Laura Bush.

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 can contact your member of Congress and ask them to become a cosponsor of the legislation.

Pay discrimination denounced

The first 6 weeks of the 111^th Congress have been exciting. Congress passed and the President signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act (Public Law No. 111-2). The law reverses a Supreme Court decision that acutely limits women workers’ capacity to sue for wage discrimination. It changes the law to declare that an unlawful practice occurs when a discriminatory compensation decision or other practice is adopted, when a person becomes subject to the decision or other practice, or when a person is affected by the decision or practice, including each time wages, benefits, or other compensation is paid. Therefore, a person can file a complaint about wage discrimination after any pay check that includes the pay discrimination. NASW Executive Director, Betsy Clark, was invited to the bill signing ceremony at the White House. You can view the video of the signing on our Web site.

Children’s Health Care passed

Another big win was passage of SCHIP legislation (Public Law No. 111-3). This legislation includes a mandate that mental health treatment be on par with medical health services. More specifically, the new law prohibits SCHIP plans from setting lower treatment limitations or higher financial requirements on coverage of mental health or substance use services than they set for other health services. It will cover around 4 million additional uninsured children. It is paid for, primarily with a 62-cent increase in the federal tobacco tax. It will extend federal support of CHIP through 2013. It encourages states to enroll children who are already eligible but not yet covered, and gives states new tools to reach uninsured children. It removes the five-year waiting period for legal immigrant children and pregnant women who enroll in Medicaid or CHIP. See the final vote. (more…)

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 members for the legislation.

NASW continues to support social work reinvestment provisions within health care reform and is seeking inclusion of the language in the final health care reform bill.

NASW recently sent a letter to President Obama’s staff asking for his support of a Social Work Reinvestment Commission. The letter cites a workforce shortage in the profession, along with an increasing demand for social work services. It further states, “the President has outlined a commitment to the values that drive the social work profession including service to others in need and the pursuit of social justice. For these reasons, we encourage the President to support the Social Work Reinvestment Commission which will help ensure that social workers can continue to provide services in numerous settings throughout the nation.”

Political Climate

Democrats were chastened by Massachusetts voters on January 19 when Republican Scott Brown defeated Democrat Martha Coakley for the Massachusetts Senate seat left vacant by the death of Sen. Ted Kennedy.  Voters have loudly expressed their concern by defeating a highly favored Democrat in a state widely regarded as the most Democratic of all.  The outcome of this race has already resonated throughout Washington, and could result in Democrats taking smaller, more measured steps in their proposed legislative agenda throughout the year.  The number of Senators has dropped from 60 to 59, although not every bill will be so threatened by filibuster that 60 votes will be necessary on each occasion.  Still, the political landscape has changed decisively now that Republicans hold a large enough minority to sustain leverage against the White House and Congressional Democrats.

From January 20 forward, legislative outcomes are bound to have a more bipartisan hue for the rest of the year and possibly beyond.

Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) Reauthorization

TANF is set to expire September 30, 2010. As such, NASW is working in coalition with other organizations to influence the reauthorization of TANF. It is believed that the House will introduce a bill to reauthorize TANF in February. During the last reauthorization, Congress extended TANF for short periods of time before reauthorizing it. We expect this may be the case again. Advocates are looking to add a number of items to the TANF reauthorization. One change is to suspend, at least until economic recovery has been achieved, the five year time limit imposed by Congress on receipt of TANF benefits. Another change would be to raise benefit levels at least to the official federal poverty guideline. Also, advocates would like to see countable work activities defined more broadly. Advocates encourage full family sanctions to be prohibited. TANF reauthorization should eliminate the mandatory cooperation requirement for child support and make the family violence option a requirement. Advocates call for the elimination of all restrictions on legally present immigrants. Advocates are also calling for a return to the matching funding system rather than the current block grant system. (more…)

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 not be kept from supporting their families and making a positive contribution to the economic life of our nation due characteristics that have no bearing whatsoever on their acumen to do a job.  The Association remains allied with traditional civil rights groups who affirm that inequality and discrimination subvert the principles of Democracy.

Political Climate
Despite the many twists and turns health care reform has taken in the past several months, we are not necessarily closer to a solution in mid-December than we were in mid-September.  The Senate still has not completed its own bill, and is trying to write legislation that can earn 60 votes.  Once they do so, a conference between House and Senate negotiators will have to occur in order to send a single bill to President Obama.  At this point, no one can guarantee when such a conference will take place.  The cause of this delay is simple: for all the attention rightfully placed on abortion-related aspects of the discussion, there is still no agreement on the fundamental way in which more Americans would receive health care coverage.  Many reasonable approaches have been mentioned in the Senate, including expansion of Medicare and a public option.  But one week before Christmas Day, there is still no single plan that has garnered the support of 60 Senators.  Until that happens, there can be no conference with the House and thus no bill for President Obama to sign into law.NASW has called on its members to contact their Senators to support the bill (H.R. 3590), and a link to our most recent action alert is here. NASW has written to Majority Leader Reid supporting the Senate reform bill, and a copy may be viewed on the NASW Web site.

Reinvestment for Educators
NASW President Jim Kelly, Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors President Freddie Avant, and Action Network for Social Work Education and Research Chair Jeane Anastas, recently filmed a video regarding “Reinvestment for Educators” to discuss why the Social Work Reinvestment Initiative is important for social work educators. The bill will support recruitment of new social work students, retain experienced social workers, and fund social work education and research. To view the full legislation, please click here. After viewing the video, please send a letter of support to your Representative and Senators.

Social Work Medicare Equity Act in Health Care Reform
Section 1307 of the House health care reform bill (H.R. 3200) authorizes clinical social workers eligible to participate under Medicare Part B to bill independently for services to Medicare Part A covered residents of Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs). The provision removes Part B-eligible clinical social work services from the Medicare SNF per diem rate and alternatively authorizes them to bill for them separately. This is a long-sought change by NASW that will expand the availability of clinical social work services to SNF residents covered by Medicare Part A and provide parity recognition for the profession in a SNF setting. The Senate version of health care reform legislation (H.R. 3590) does not contain a similar provision, and this difference must be ironed out in conference committee on the legislation. NASW is working with House and Senate offices to support the provision when conference committee consideration begins.

SWRA Provisions Advance on Health Care Reform
There are several provisions within Health care reform legislation, H.R. 3590, which advance the Social Work Reinvestment Act (SWRA).  Related provisions are contained in the House-passed measure, H.R. 3200. The Senate bill includes the following key provisions addressing social work professional education and training needs:

• Sec. 3508 – Establishes a demonstration program to integrate quality improvement and patient safety training into clinical education of health professionals. Schools of social work are among the eligible grantees.

• Sec. 5101 – Creates a National health care workforce commission tasked with reviewing health care workforce and projected workforce needs. The needs of the social work profession are among those that would be considered by the Commission and schools of social work also have representation.

• Sec. 5102 – Creates state health care workforce development competitive grants to s. enabling State partnerships to complete comprehensive planning and to carry out activities leading to coherent and comprehensive health care workforce development strategies at the State and local levels. All health professions are eligible for state planning attention, including social work.

• Sec. 5203 – Establishes health and behavioral health workforce loan repayment programs for pediatric subspecialists and providers of mental and behavioral health services to children and adolescents who are or will be working in a Health Professional Shortage Area, Medically Underserved Area, or with a medically underserved population.

• Sec. 5305 – Authorizes funding for geriatric education and training; career awards; comprehensive geriatric education to advanced practice nurses, clinical social workers, pharmacists, and psychologists.

• Sec. 5306 – Awards to mental and behavioral health education and training grants to schools for the development, expansion, or enhancement of training programs in social work, graduate psychology, professional training in child and adolescent mental health, and pre-service or in-service training to paraprofessionals in child and adolescent mental health.

• Section 756 of the Public Health Services Act is amended to include language regarding the qualifications of institutions eligible for these training grants and that at least four will go to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) or Minority Serving Institutions (MSI).  Authorization for up to $8 million in funds is provided for social work.

Medicare MD & MSW Fee Schedule Update
Clinical social workers that participate in Medicare Part B will have their payment rates temporarily protected against large cuts scheduled for 2010 because Congress acted on a short-term bill to delay the cut required by the flawed sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula, which determines outpatient payment rates in Medicare and TRICARE. The SGR formula is frequently inappropriately described as the Medicare “physician fee” formula, but it actually sets the rate of increase or decrease for all Medicare Part B independent practitioners, including clinical social workers. NASW supports legislation that would halt scheduled cuts in Medicare payments to clinical social workers and other health professionals and has urged Congress to adopt legislation to recalibrate how these payments are set each year. See NASW’s letter to Congress here.

Correcting the problem before the rate cuts go into effect on Jan. 1, each year is politically difficult due to the multi-billion dollar costs of correcting the formula. Current law requires large annual reductions in Medicare SGR determined fees, which include rates paid to clinical social workers. Congress rejected several earlier SGR bills this fall, but then passed an eight week extension into February, enabling it to address the payment problem once it finishes work on health care reform. NASW is continuing to work with coalition partners in support of an SGR remedy.

Appropriations Bill Funds Study on Mental Workforce Issues
During the week of December 9, Congress finished the annual appropriations bill for the federal FY 2010, Labor-HHS-Education spending bill, which is available on the House Appropriations website. One item of special interest to the social work profession is the inclusion of $900,000 for the Institute of Medicine (IOM) to study mental health workforce needs focused on (1) a systematic analysis of the current and projected mental and behavioral healthcare needs of the American people, particularly for aging and growing ethnic populations; and (2) developing policy recommendations for achieving a competent and well-trained mental health workforce to address those needs.  Congressional authors justified the study as necessary in light of the projected doubling of the aged population by 2030, new evidence of the importance of addressing mental health needs as part of effective chronic disease management, increased numbers of veterans with post traumatic stress disorder, improved diagnostic techniques, and implementation of the new federal mental health parity law. The study expands on IOM’s 2008 broader study on the geriatric workforce, which did not explore mental health workforce needs in depth. NASW worked with other mental health professional groups to support this funding in the new law, and will advocate vigorously for the representation of the social work profession in the work of the IOM.

Health Legislation Prospects for 2010
At the start of the new year, Congress is not expected to consider major new health legislation, but congressional committees will consider routine health legislation, particularly those bills that were set aside last year to make time for health reform legislation. These include the 21st Century Cancer ALERT Act, reauthorization of HHS/Public Health Service programs under the jurisdiction of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Furthermore, congressional oversight of new federal programs to promote the use of health information technology (HIT) and to protect confidential patient information is expected to be a priority. NASW will represent clinical social worker interests to ensure the profession is included for all Medicare HIT incentive payments and that psychotherapy notes are protected in federal privacy regulations.
Congress also faces a variety of funding challenges to implement health care reform, particularly programs that support the education and training of the health professions. NASW will aggressively pursue expanded federal support for the social work profession in these federal initiatives. As in past years, Congress has not settled on a long-term solution to the Medicare physician payment formula, which also determines the payment rate for clinical social workers and all the health professions that directly bill Medicare Part B.  NASW will continue to advocate for adequate payment rates for the profession during this protracted debate. NASW members who wish to stay informed about health and behavioral health developments in the new Congress should follow NASW’s webpage.

NIH Approves New Stem Cell Lines
On December 2, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) approved 13 new human embryonic stem cell lines for use by NIH funded researchers. Another 96 embryonic stem cell lines are undergoing NIH review. In March, President Obama expanded the number of such cell lines beyond those available under a policy set by President George W. Bush, which permitted research to begin only with lines already available on Aug. 9, 2001. To read more, go to the NIH press release.

Needle and Syringe Exchanges Ban Lifted
On December 13, the Senate passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of FY2010 by a vote of 57 – 35.  The President is expected to sign the bill before the continuing resolution expires.  Among many other important provisions, the bill removes the federal funding ban on syringe exchange. The provision allows the distribution of syringes through syringe exchange as long as local public health or local law enforcement authorities do not object to a specific location as being inappropriate for distribution.

NASW Supports Child Welfare Workforce Improvement Act
On November 30, NASW sent a letter to Senator Blanche Lincoln (AR) thanking her for introducing S. 2837 the Child Welfare Workforce Improvement Act. The bill will help ensure a workforce that can accurately assess the strengths and needs of children and families, connect children and their families to services, monitor their progress, and improve outcomes for children. NASW sent an alert to the Advocacy Listserv looking for cosponsors.

Immigration Bill Introduced in House
Representative Luis Gutierrez (IL-4) introduced immigration legislation, Comprehensive Immigration Reform for America’s Security and Prosperity (H.R. 4321), in the House on December 15. Congress is beginning to shape the immigration debate with the introduction of this bill and NASW is developing our strategy. You can view the bill here. Immigration will be an important issue tackled in 2010.

Veteran’s Affairs
Recently, we heard from a member of NASW who is an MSW student and a veteran who recently returned from Afghanistan.  He hoped to find a mental health counselor who was both a veteran and a social worker.  While he strongly supports the work of all social workers, he wanted to find one who could directly relate to his experience in war.  The Veterans Administration in his area was unable to locate such a person for him, and other non-VA efforts came up empty as well.

This is a clear connection between member needs and NASW advocacy.  Veterans represent a constituency who may choose to enter social work to benefit both their peers and other members of society, but only if there is a distinct path for them to do so.  Thus, NASW has intensified its focus on veteran’s issues.  This improvement is meant to benefit not just veterans, but the field of social work as well.