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Legislative & Political Action
NASW WI Leaders Lobby for Social Justice Support Urged for Vote Restoration, Mental Health Parity and Child Victim’s ActIn the last two weeks of October NASW WI Executive Director, Marc Herstand and Board President, Brenda Ward testified at the State Capitol about three important bills being considered by the State Legislature. We urge other NASW WI members to contact their lawmakers regarding these important bills. On August 27th, Marc Herstand testified on behalf of AB 353, the Assembly version of Senate Bill 240. On October 13, Brenda Ward testified in favor of Senate Bill 240 which would restore the right to vote to felons who have been released on probation or parole. To read Brenda’s testimony click here. Marc Herstand offered testimony on October 28 in support of Assembly Bill 512, which would extend the provisions of the Wellstone Dominici bill passed by Congress last year which provides Mental Health Parity. The national act which went into effect on October 3rd 2009, requires that all group health plans of 51 or more employees that provide mental health and substance abuse coverage must provide this coverage at the same level as the coverage for medical and surgical coverage. Assembly Bill 512 would extend the coverage of the Wellstone Dominici bill to employers with 50 or less employees that provide coverage for mental health and substance abuse problems. To read Marc’s testimony click here. In Late October, Marc Herstand distributed a statement at a hearing on Assembly Bill 453, “The Child Victim’s Act.” This bill removes the statute of limitations for civil causes of action based on the sexual assault of a child. It also creates a three year “window” for victims whose cases would otherwise be barred by the previous statute of limitations so that these victims will have an opportunity to achieve justice. To read Marc’s testimony click here. On Monday November 16, 2009, NASW WI Executive Director Marc Herstand spoke at a vigil protesting the proposed cuts to human service agencies that were part of the Dane County budget. In its November 17, 2009 report on the vigil and county board vote on the budget, The Badger Herald quoted Herstand as stating that cutting this money could end up costing the county more money in the long-run. To read Marc’s testimony click here Questions About the New Mental Health Access/Vendorship Bill? Read Our New FAQ!On June 29, Governor Doyle signed the Wisconsin State Budget with our Vendorship/Mental Health Access bill included in full! This was a great success for social workers of Wisconsin! Now that the bill has passed many of you have questions about how the changes will be implemented. For the answer to a number of these questions click here to download an FAQ. To read the portions of the budget that contain the Mental Health Access and Vendorship Bill click here. NASW members can feel free to contact Marc Herstand at the NASW WI office regarding the Vendorship bill anytime. Our Position on Bills Introduced to The Wisconsin LegislatureOur Legislative & Social Policy Committee has taken positions on bills introduced during the 2009/2010 legislative session. For the list of Senate bills click here. For the list of Assembly bills please click here. Mental Health/Substance Abuse Parity
Testimony
Wisconsin Social Workers Political Action Committee (WSWPAC)
WSWPAC
endorses candidates running for statewide or local office, provides money and
organizing assistance in targeted races. NASW PAC, operating out of the
national office, endorses candidates and provides funding in Senate,
Congressional & Presidential elections. For more information please
contact us.
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