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The Social Work Policy Network remains committed to sharing key news updates, policy changes, action opportunities, events & more - with content particularly focused on social justice, equity, and systemic change. Thank you for your continued support of the Social Work Policy Network!
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Happy Holidays to all the subscribers! We'll be back in January! Enjoy the break!
Regional Policy News Highlights
What do Democratic Socialist victories mean for NJ?
New Jersey Spotlight News
“Two Democratic Socialists have been elected to Jersey City’s council. Jake Ephros, a teacher, and Joel Brooks, a labor organizer, won in a runoff election last week and will be taking office along with a new crop of elected officials, including mayor-Elect James Solomon.Their win comes at a time when Democratic Socialism is having a moment nationally, including the historic win by Zohran Mamdani as New York City’s next mayor.”
Bill would allow NJ towns to hike fees to fund homelessness reduction
New Jersey Monitor
“Fraying safety nets, the increased criminalization of homelessness, and rising housing costs all prove the need for legislative action, said Assemblywoman Annette Quijano (D-Union), one of the bill’s prime sponsors. Homelessness in New Jersey rose 8% between January 2024 and last January, she added.”
These new 2026 health care laws are taking effect in Pa., N.J. and Del.
WHYY
“This past year, lawmakers in the Delaware Valley pursued changes to health care policies and regulations that will expand access to prescription drug savings, ensure coverage for breast cancer imaging, reaffirm lead testing requirements, increase breastfeeding support in prisons and more.Here are some new health care laws coming to Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware that will be in place or take effect in 2026.”
Upcoming Events
Board Game Night
Tuesday, December 16th, 2025 • 4:00 pm - 6:00pm
Dean's Conference Room 123, Research Tower
RSVP for the event
Join Neuroconnections for a celebratory board game night! Fun, food, and well deserved relaxation to close out the semester.
National Policy News Highlights
Some Native Americans draw shocked response over contract to design immigration detention centers
AP News
“A newly established tribal business entity quietly signed a nearly $30 million federal contract in October to come up with an early design for immigrant detention centers across the U.S. Amid the backlash, the tribe says it’s trying to get out of it.”
With federal relief on the horizon, Black farmers worry it won't come soon enough
NPR
“At the same time, however, the Trump Administration dismantled decades-old USDA programs designed to assist Black farmers by eliminating the "socially disadvantaged" designation, including programs like the 2501 Program, which many Black row-crop farmers rely on for access to credit, technical assistance, and conservation support that are otherwise difficult to secure at county-level USDA offices. The USDA did not respond to requests for interviews or comment.”
Democrats say they need leadership green light to back GOP bills to extend ACA tax credits
The Hill
"Bipartisan lawmakers this week launched two discharge petitions designed to force votes to prevent the subsidies from lapsing. One of them, sponsored by Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) and Jared Golden (D-Maine), combines a two-year subsidy extension with a series of policy reforms, including new income eligibility limits, the elimination of no-premium plans and the promotion of health savings accounts."
Professional Opportunities
Communications Associate - Support for Nonprofit Management (New York, NY)
PT Library Social Worker (MSW) - Hoboken Public Library (Hoboken, NJ)
Social Worker - Saint Clare's Health (Boonton Township, NJ)
Housing Supports Case Manager - La Casa de Don Pedro, Inc. (Newark, NJ)
Highlight of the Week
Happy Holidays! Wishing you a joyful holiday season filled with warmth, rest, and meaningful moments. Thank you for being part of our community!
The Social Work Policy Network's e-newsletter is created by:
Ebonia Moody, MSW Graduate Student, Network Research Assistant
Dr. Lenna Nepomnyaschy, RU Professor, Network Founder
