NASW - National Association of Social Workers
NASW - National Association of Social Workers
02/08/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/08/2024 18:20
NASW-PACE Endorses Vice President Kamala Harris for President
WASHINGTON, D.C. - National Association of Social Workers Political Action for Candidate Election (NASW-PACE) has voted unanimously to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for the 47th President of the United States.
"Vice President Harris is a shining example of America's promise. Her presidential bid is historic in many ways, and it's clear that she is the most qualified person in the race. She is a proven champion for the people, and the lives of social workers and those we serve will be better under her leadership. I am confident that Vice President Harris will continue to invest in mental health and lead the nation through our current mental health crisis," said NASW CEO Anthony Estreet, PhD, MBA, LCSW-C.
President Joe Biden on July 21 announced his decision to exit the 2024 presidential race and has endorsed Kamala Harris for President. NASW is appreciative of President Biden's service and all that the Biden-Harris administration accomplished over the last four years.
Harris is a dedicated supporter of policies that aim to expand access to healthcare, which is crucial for the well-being of individuals and families. Her advocacy for the Affordable Care Act and efforts to make healthcare more accessible and affordable align with the goals of social workers who strive to ensure that everyone has access to essential services. Vice President Harris is the right person to lead ongoing efforts that address our nation's mental health crisis.
"Vice President Harris recognizes the significance of addressing mental health and substance use issues, which are crucial areas of focus for social workers. NASW-PACE is excited to support her candidacy," said NASW-PACE Co-Chair Brian Romero, MSW. She has backed legislation to enhance mental health services and increase funding for treatment programs, which social workers provide.
The Biden-Harris Administration has prioritized investments in mental health, as outlined in the Unity Agenda. Major successes have included enacting the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) in March 2021. ARPA aimed to improve access to mental health services and substance use disorder treatment. The act allocated funding for community mental health centers, crisis intervention services, and telehealth resources, especially in underserved areas.
During her time as Vice President, Harris cast 33 tie-breaking votes in the Senate, the highest number for any Vice President. Notably, in addition to ARPA, she led in helping to keep the federal government open and by passing the Inflation Reduction Act. Her leadership has been strong through multiple national challenges.
Harris has also been a consistent advocate for social justice, addressing systemic issues that align with social work principles such as equity, diversity, and inclusion. She has worked to stop hate crimes and advance LGBTQ+ equality. Her efforts in criminal justice reform, including her support for measures to reduce mass incarceration and implement police reform, directly affect the communities that social workers serve.
Harris has continued to empower marginalized communities through initiatives addressing racial and gender inequities. Her efforts to fight discrimination and promote equal opportunities directly align with the values, goals, and ethics of the social work profession.
"It is clear that Vice President Kamala Harris is the woman for the job. NASW-PACE is proud to endorse her for President," said NASW-PACE Co-Chair Kelli Soyer, LMSW.
NASW comprises 55 chapters nationwide, and its members live in every congressional district across the country. NASW is committed to mobilizing our members, our partners, and the entire social work profession to ensure there are record levels of investment in expanding mental health care, combatting climate change, and reducing student debt.
"I call on every member of NASW and all social workers to vote for, organize with, and elect Vice President Kamala Harris as our 47th President," Dr. Estreet said.
"Vice President Harris is a shining example of America's promise. Her presidential bid is historic in many ways, and it's clear that she is the most qualified person in the race. She is a proven champion for the people, and the lives of social workers and those we serve will be better under her leadership. I am confident that Vice President Harris will continue to invest in mental health and lead the nation through our current mental health crisis," said NASW CEO Anthony Estreet, PhD, MBA, LCSW-C.
President Joe Biden on July 21 announced his decision to exit the 2024 presidential race and has endorsed Kamala Harris for President. NASW is appreciative of President Biden's service and all that the Biden-Harris administration accomplished over the last four years.
Harris is a dedicated supporter of policies that aim to expand access to healthcare, which is crucial for the well-being of individuals and families. Her advocacy for the Affordable Care Act and efforts to make healthcare more accessible and affordable align with the goals of social workers who strive to ensure that everyone has access to essential services. Vice President Harris is the right person to lead ongoing efforts that address our nation's mental health crisis.
"Vice President Harris recognizes the significance of addressing mental health and substance use issues, which are crucial areas of focus for social workers. NASW-PACE is excited to support her candidacy," said NASW-PACE Co-Chair Brian Romero, MSW. She has backed legislation to enhance mental health services and increase funding for treatment programs, which social workers provide.
The Biden-Harris Administration has prioritized investments in mental health, as outlined in the Unity Agenda. Major successes have included enacting the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) in March 2021. ARPA aimed to improve access to mental health services and substance use disorder treatment. The act allocated funding for community mental health centers, crisis intervention services, and telehealth resources, especially in underserved areas.
During her time as Vice President, Harris cast 33 tie-breaking votes in the Senate, the highest number for any Vice President. Notably, in addition to ARPA, she led in helping to keep the federal government open and by passing the Inflation Reduction Act. Her leadership has been strong through multiple national challenges.
Harris has also been a consistent advocate for social justice, addressing systemic issues that align with social work principles such as equity, diversity, and inclusion. She has worked to stop hate crimes and advance LGBTQ+ equality. Her efforts in criminal justice reform, including her support for measures to reduce mass incarceration and implement police reform, directly affect the communities that social workers serve.
Harris has continued to empower marginalized communities through initiatives addressing racial and gender inequities. Her efforts to fight discrimination and promote equal opportunities directly align with the values, goals, and ethics of the social work profession.
"It is clear that Vice President Kamala Harris is the woman for the job. NASW-PACE is proud to endorse her for President," said NASW-PACE Co-Chair Kelli Soyer, LMSW.
NASW comprises 55 chapters nationwide, and its members live in every congressional district across the country. NASW is committed to mobilizing our members, our partners, and the entire social work profession to ensure there are record levels of investment in expanding mental health care, combatting climate change, and reducing student debt.
"I call on every member of NASW and all social workers to vote for, organize with, and elect Vice President Kamala Harris as our 47th President," Dr. Estreet said.