Massachusetts official advocates for social and economic justice
Washington, D.C. – The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is pleased to name Massachusetts State Representative Ruth Balser the 2009 Public Elected Official of the Year, honoring her dedication to social justice, health care, education and mental health issues.
For nearly twenty years, Rep. Balser has been a dedicated public official, first as a Newton Alderman from 1988-1996, and for the next 10 years as a State Representative in the Massachusetts State Legislature. Throughout her career, Rep. Balser has been an effective problem solver and a progressive leader.
“Ruth Balser has demonstrated extraordinary leadership in proposing and passing legislation to expand services for mentally ill children and adults,” says Dr. James Kelly, president of NASW. “She is a worthy example of how critical it is for health care professionals to be involved in government.”
Rep. Balser’s work on behalf of parents and children began during her years as a Newton City Alderman. Realizing the lack of affordable childcare in the city, she began the Newton Child Care Commission, a group whose aim is to raise funds to provide vouchers for quality daycare to needy families.
Her most recent legislative success was in the area of mental health parity. After 10 years of lobbying, advocating and coalition building, the Mental Health Parity Bill was passed in 2008. The bill extends full parity of coverage to sufferers of substance abuse, PTSD, eating disorders and autism.
NASW is pleased to recognize Representative Ruth Balser as the 2009 Public Elected Official of the Year.
For more information or to set up an interview with Rep. Balser, please contact NASW Communications at media@naswdc.org or 202-336-8277.
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The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), in Washington, DC, is the largest membership organization of professional social workers with 132,000 members. It promotes, develops, and protects the practice of social work and social workers. NASW also seeks to enhance the well-being of individuals, families, and communities through its advocacy.