Social Security Advisory

February 4, 2005

As mentioned in the President's State of the Union Address, he is moving ahead on plans to drastically change the Social Security system. While there is no specific federal legislation, we presume that a legislative proposal will be forthcoming.

Many NASW Chapters have contacted the National office to inform us of activities at the state level on Social Security. At the National office, NASW plans to be active and vigorous in responding to the forthcoming federal legislation and encourages chapters to participate in activities in the states that are aimed at influencing Senators, House Representatives, Governors, and the President.

NASW is opposed to the privatization of Social Security and proposals that would diminish the integrity of the Social Security system for current and future beneficiaries.

If you are currently working with other groups on social security or do so in the future, please let us know. The National office is exploring working with the Campaign for America's Future, senior, labor, civil rights, and disability organizations on this issue.

NASW Senior Government Relations Associate Lawrence Moore is the point person on Social Security for the NASW Government Relations and Political Action Unit. Please contact Lawrence at lmoore@naswdc.org or 202-336-8289 about activities you are working on at the state level and for information about what NASW is doing at the national level.

For background information on Social Security, visit http://www.ourfuture.org/

In his first term, President Bush appointed a 16-member commission to explore Social Security privatization. For NASW's update on the President's previous proposal, visit http://www.socialworkers.org/advocacy/issues/ss_update1.doc

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