WASHINGTON, D.C. - The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) congratulates Joe Biden on his election to become the 46th president of the United States. NASW was proud to endorse and support Vice President Biden’s campaign.
In electing Biden, the American people have cast their vote for an inclusive economy, urgently needed social investments, and long overdue civil rights protections. Together with Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, Biden is poised to shepherd our polarized, pandemic-weary nation into a promising new future that prioritizes well-being and justice for all.
“We are thrilled at the election of Joe Biden. He is an experienced unifier and problem-solver with a deep understanding of and commitment to the causes that are at the heart of the social work profession, a profession he values,” said Angelo McClain, PhD, LICSW, Chief Executive Officer of NASW. “We can’t wait to roll up our sleeves and work with him and the administration he assembles to advance America’s shared agenda.”
President-elect Biden faces formidable challenges when he assumes office in January. Initial priorities include responding to the ongoing pandemic, restoring equilibrium and guiding the nation through economic recovery. Millions of Americans cannot meet their basic needs, with many falling deeper into poverty. Prospects for a quick rebound are dwindling with the unemployment rate at more than eight percent and an alarming spike in COVID-19 cases. Having personally marshaled the government wide 2009 economic recovery campaign, President-elect Biden is battle-tested. His Build Back Better proposal, with its racial equity pillar, calls for major investments in a variety of promising new programs including affordable housing and education access.
As the nation grieves the tragic loss of over 239,000 people to COVID-19, disproportionately impacting Black and Brown communities, Biden must also address the public health and mental health crisis. With the Affordable Care Act (ACA) imperiled by a newly conservative 6-3 majority Supreme Court, that will begin hearing arguments on ACA repeal in less than a week, healthcare equity is all the more important. His Bidencare proposal would expand on and refine the ACA, which will be imperative if the Court partially or completely repeals this landmark law.
With reproductive health rights also in jeopardy with the now solidly conservative Court, Biden must also make good on his vow to make Roe v. Wade “the law of the land.”
This is a tall order, and not one President Biden can achieve alone.
"All Americans, including many who have not yet been at the table, have a crucial role in shaping the next chapter in our nation's story," said Mildred "Mit" Joyner, DPS, MSW, LCSW, President of NASW. "We stand ready to join in this collective effort by elevating voices and bridging divides."