[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 39 (Tuesday, March 15, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E489]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF THE SOCIAL WORK REINVESTMENT ACT TO COMMEMORATE WORLD 
                            SOCIAL WORK DAY

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 15, 2011

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, today we celebrate World Social Work Day, a 
day when the international social work and social welfare communities 
celebrate the profession's contributions to society. The 2011 theme is, 
``Social Work Voices Responding to Global Crises: Together We Develop 
the Agenda.'' This event, which occurs on the third Tuesday in March, 
is even more relevant this year as the United States and the 
international communities have faced significant economic, social, and 
political challenges.
  Social work is the helping profession and social workers across the 
globe help people to address challenges in their lives, guide them to 
critical resources, counsel them on important life decisions, and help 
them reach their full potential. Social workers are a part of society's 
safety net. These highly trained professionals work with our most 
vulnerable individuals in communities across the country. Without the 
help of these professionals, many individuals would not have a voice.
  It is for this reason that I am re-introducing the Dorothy I. Height 
and Whitney M. Young Social Work Reinvestment Act. Today we stand 
before pivotal crossroads. With crises in Japan, the Middle East, and 
the lingering effects on our economy of foreclosures and unemployment, 
social workers continue to assist those most in need.
  Yet, as I stand before you today, our nation's social workers face 
daunting challenges. These challenges compromise the ability of the 
many dedicated professionals to provide their clients with unparalleled 
service and care. Many future social workers have opted to leave the 
field rather than endure the competing policy priorities, fiscal 
constraints, safety concerns, significant educational debt, and 
comparatively low salary that await them upon graduation.
  The Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Social Work 
Reinvestment Act is designed to address these challenges to the social 
work profession, thereby helping to ensure that millions of individuals 
and families throughout the nation can continue to receive necessary 
social work services. This legislation creates the foundation for a 
professional workforce to meet the ever-increasing demand for the 
essential services that social workers provide.
  I urge my colleagues to support this bill, as it is one step towards 
a stronger workforce in these challenging times.

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