A New Congress and Administration: NASW Outreach & Advocacy

The 115th Congress convened on Tuesday, January 3rd, 2017. As each new legislative session begins, members of Congress host swearing-in ceremonies to meet with key stakeholders. Our very own Angelo McClain, took Capitol Hill by storm and began this year by meeting directly with Republicans, Democrats, and those within Congressional leadership. He had fruitful conversations with dozens of members of Congress about NASW legislative goals, the work social workers do for their clients and communities, and our hope for continued partnerships in the coming year and congressional session.

These efforts go a long way and help pave the path forward for reintroduction and passage of NASW priority legislation. Currently, your NASW National Office is working hard with our Congressional champions to prepare for introduction in the new Congress of NASW supported legislation, including:

The Improving Access to Mental Health Act, Social Work Reinvestment Act, and the Social Work Month Resolution. All bills from previous Congresses that were not signed into law, must be introduced again and will receive new bill numbers.

In addition, NASW is also exploring other priority policy issues such as Social Work Safety. Our hope is to have legislation introduced at the federal level this year that specifically addresses safety issues within our profession. Stay tuned!

To supplement legislative efforts, NASW is working with members of Congress to have them join the Congressional Social Work Caucus, and to broaden support for social workers on Capitol Hill. To lead this endeavor, NASW partnered with the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) to welcome all new members and returning members to the 115th Congress, reiterate top priorities, encourage them to join the Social Work Caucus, and offer ourselves as resources in the new term.

While NASW is leading the charge on Capitol Hill, we will need your help this year! Please watch for action alerts and updates on ways you can help advocate for these legislative proposals and help move them forward.

NASW posted an action alert about the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on our web site. In one day, 1,151 advocates contacted 3,578 Members of Congress about the ACA in response to our alert.

If this month is any indication of 2017, your NASW team is full steam ahead to move priorities forward and forge partnership for success.

NASW Transition Document: Suggestions for the incoming Administration

NASW compiled a comprehensive transition document for the Trump Administration and the 115th Congress on Advancing the American Agenda: How the social work profession will help. This document outlines many of the priorities and areas where social workers play a significant role in addressing social challenges and advancing the broader American Agenda. This document was delivered to the Trump Transition team for consideration as it prepares for the new president.

NASW Statements on President Trump’s Nominations for three Critical Cabinet Posts

Social justice staff worked with NASW CEO to draft and finalize the organizational position on the nominees for three cabinet secretaries to lead Departments critical to social workers. NASW developed and posted official statements that opposed confirmation of Senator Jeff Sessions to become Attorney General; opposed Rep. Tom Price’s confirmation to become Secretary of Health and Human Services, and withheld support for confirmation of Dr. Ben Carson to become Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

Support Letters:

NASW has signed onto a number of letters of support. You can find a list of letters of support on our web page. A few samples from the last month are linked below.

• NASW signs on to letter opposing blocking individuals from accessing services at Planned Parenthood (1/17/2017)
• NASW signs on to open letter discouraging Congressional leaders from repealing the Affordable Care Act without a detailed replacement plan that provides equal or improved access to high-quality, affordable health coverage, especially for people with disabilities and older adults (1/13/2017)
• NASW signs on to Federal AIDS Policy Partnership (FAPP) Transition Plan for the Trump Administration to End the HIV Epidemic in the United States and Its Territories (1/11/2017)
• NASW provides comments on interim final rule on Medicare Program: Conditions for Coverage for End-Stage Renal Disease Facilities--Third Party Payment, CMS-3337-IFC (1/11/2017)
• NASW signs on to open letter to Congressional leaders supporting the Prevention and Public Health Fund, authorized under the Affordable Care Act (1/09/2017)
• NASW signs on to Global AIDS Policy Partnership (GAPP) letter outlining recommendations for global HIV/AIDS priorities for in-coming Trump administration. (1/06/2017)
• NASW signs onto MHLG Letter to Congressional Leaders asking them to preserve access to crucial mental health and substance use disorder services and programs (01/03/2017)