April 5th, 2010
In response to the hearing held on March 11 by the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support, NASW submitted written testimony. The testimony calls for enhancing the capacity of the welfare system infrastructure; reducing the number of families living in poverty; and improving assistance to recipients with multiple barriers to self-sufficiency.
To join the Advocacy Listserv, go to http://capwiz.com/socialworkers/mlm/verify/
April 5th, 2010
On March 30, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act (H.R. 4872). NASW strongly supported this bill and has tirelessly advocated for the creation of public policies that make health care and higher education more affordable and accessible for all Americans. The higher education provisions are expected to generate significant savings by redirecting lender subsidies to boost Pell Grant scholarships, expand the Income Based Repayment Program, increase the number of students who enter and complete college, including community colleges, and invest over $2 billion in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and minority serving institutions (MSI) to provide students with the support they need to stay in school. The bill passed the House and Senate on March 25 with a Democratic vote of 220-207 and 56 to 43, respectively.
While some colleges and universities have already switched to direct lending, others are racing to switch from private lenders to the U.S. Department of Education by July 1, 2010. The lending overhaul, which would eliminate a program that subsidizes banks and other providers of federally backed loans, is projected to save the federal government $61 billion over 10 years with more than half of the savings channeled to Pell grants for low income students. More than 8 million low income students rely on these grants to fund their education.
For more information about our advocacy efforts to make higher education more affordable go to www.socialworkers.org/loanforgivness
To join the Advocacy listserv, go to http://capwiz.com/socialworkers/mlm/verify/
March 30th, 2010
On March 17, 2010, Education Secretary Arne Duncan testified before the House Education and Labor Committee on the Obama Administration’s newly released blueprint for revamping the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), currently known as the No Child Left Behind Act. He focused on the themes of college and career readiness, accountability for all students, and incentives for states to improve their approach to educating our nation’s students. The Committee expressed a strong commitment to working with the Administration in rewriting the law. In his opening statement, Chairman George Miller said “the President’s blueprint lays important markers for us as we begin this rewrite.” To view the full statement click here http://edlabor.house.gov/hearings/full-committee/
NASW, independently and in collaboration with the National Alliance of Pupil Serving Organizations (NAPSO), recently submitted comments for the Chairman to consider as Congress gears up to reauthorize the No Child Left Behind Act https://www.socialworkers.org/advocacy/issues/education/default.asp
March 23rd, 2010
On March 18, Congress coupled the Student Aid bill with health reform legislation to advance President Obama’s two major domestic policy issues, the Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act (H.R. 4872). NASW strongly supports this bill and has tirelessly advocated for the creation of public policies that make health care and higher education more affordable and accessible for all Americans. The higher education provisions are expected to generate significant savings by ending lender subsidies to boost Pell Grant scholarships, keep interest rates on federal loans affordable, increase the number of students who enter and complete college.
The House passed the bill on March 21, and the Senate is expected to vote later this week. While there is generally strong support for the bill among Democrats, it has no Republican support and is considered controversial by some. A few Senators are concerned that banks and some lenders will jeopardize their long term viability by producing fewer loans and many higher education institutions, in anticipation of this legislation, have already increased their direct federal loan lending to students. In spite of these differences, the legislation is expected to pass. NASW believes that this legislation will make obtaining a higher education easier for thousands of social work students by reducing their existing financial debt or reducing their dependence on student loans. For more information about our advocacy efforts on loan forgiveness go to www.socialworkers.org/loanforgiveness
March 17th, 2010
On March 17, the House of Representatives passed the Professional Social Work Month and World Social Work Day Resolution honoring social workers by a vote of 419-0. Social worker and Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter managed the bill during the debate. To view the debate and final passage, please go to:
Video of Reps. Shea-Porter and Guthrie managing the social work month resolution:
http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/292544-2 (Once on the site, go to: transcript on the left and scroll down to 5:47:17 (Shea-Porter) to begin the video. End at 5:51:3).
Video of the actual vote: http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/292567-1 (Once on the site, go to: transcript on the left and scroll down and begin at 1:23:49 and end at 1:31:55).
March 15th, 2010
At a time when demand for child welfare services is growing and more investments are needed, the faltering economy is driving record state budget deficits and reductions in child welfare funding.
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.
March 11th, 2010
Every now and then, something very significant takes place during my work day. Yesterday was one of those days. I had the opportunity to meet and spend some time with Congressman John Lewis from Georgia. I imagine almost all of you recognize his name. He is often called “one of the most courageous persons in the Civil Rights Movement” and he has dedicated his life to protecting human rights and securing civil liberties. Just this past weekend, Congressman Lewis attended the 45th anniversary of Bloody Sunday in Selma, AL, the march that led to the Voting Rights Act of 1965. .
His office contains the numerous honors that have been bestowed upon him during the last half century. While it felt almost like a museum,. Mr. Lewis is living testament to a lifetime of work on behalf of others..
Mr. Lewis is dynamic, passionate and engaged. He understands and appreciates what social workers do and what our goals are. Two of his staff, including, his chief of staff, are social workers.
If you have not read Congressman Lewis’ book, Walking with the Wind:: A Memoir of the Movement, I hope you will take the time to do so. Congressman Lewis reminds us of what one person can do to change the world.
As another Social Work Month begins , we want to acknowledge social workers everywhere for the outstanding work that you do. Together, we are making a difference.
Happy Social Work Month.
Elizabeth J Clark, PhD, ACSW
Executive Director, NASW
March 11th, 2010
On March 10, 2010 NASW attended a fundraiser for the Honorable Chaka Fattah (D-PA) seeking his support for the Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Social Work Reinvestment Act (H.R.795). Representative Fattah is a Member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee and without fail, embraces the mission of social work especially social service administration to underserved populations. During the event, Representative Fattah spoke with conviction about the importance of social work to his congressional district (2nd) and the measureable outcomes due to intervention that have dramatically improved the lives of many. The Congressman also discussed his commitment to NASW’S education agenda.
March 1st, 2010
On February 23, 2010 NASW attended a fundraiser for the Honorable Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD.) to discuss his support for the Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Social Work Reinvestment Act (H.R.795). Representative Cummings, while conveying the significance of social work within the 7th Congressional District, specified how instrumental the profession is to the alleviation of poverty as well as how social workers help to eradicate dire circumstances on behalf of underserved communities. In addition, the Congressman proudly articulated the contributions of the Morgan State University School of Social Work, especially their efforts in improving the education system in Baltimore city and the tireless work of social workers throughout human service agencies, especially during an austere economic climate.
February 26th, 2010
Today the President’s Middle Class Task Force released its annual report with significant recommendations that would provide support for families. Chaired by Vice-President Joe Biden with social worker Dr. Jared Bernstein serving as Executive Director, recommendations were categorized in the following four areas:
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) enthusiastically supports the recommendations of the Task Force and wrote a letter, along with a number of other groups, specifically regarding “Helping Families Balance Work and Caregiving Obligations.” The proposed policies in this area supported our own suggestions and experience in working with families who care for their older relatives.
In 2006 and 2008, NASW, in partnership with the New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM), conducted research focusing particularly on sandwich generation women (SGW) who were between the ages of 35 and 54 and caring for their own children and aging relatives. Key findings from our surveys support the need for the expanding the Dependent Care Tax Credit, which has only been raised once in 28 years, as well as expanding the $102.5 million Caregiver Initiative, which provides resources for respite care, transportation, and assistance with activities of daily living.
To see all of the letters on this issue, click here. For more information on the Middle Class Task Force, go to www.astrongmiddleclass.gov.