Senator Daniel K. Inouye died Monday, December 17, 2012, and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) fondly remembers him as the first Japanese American elected to Congress, the first Congressman representing Hawaii, the second longest serving Senator in U.S. history, a highly decorated World War II Veteran, and a longtime friend to the profession of social work. According to the New York Times, Senator Inouye... 

Elizabeth J. Clark, PhD, ACSW, MPH is CEO of the National Association of Social Workers Q: The ACA was upheld, but experts predict an avalanche of new enrollees in 2014, which will overwhelm our health care system. What should be done? Dr. Clark: Between 30-40 million new enrollees means that, among other issues, we need to think about using health care providers in such a way that everyone practices at the top of their... 

Political Climate 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... 

NASW Submits Recommendations on EHB 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... 

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... 

Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction Does Not Reach Agreement 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. ... 

  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... 

Federal Budget Update 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... 

NASW Sends Letter to the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction 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... 

Exercise Your Ethical Responsibilities as a Social Worker: Advocate! 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...