The North Carolina Legislative Building was quiet last week as legislators took a break while they were either back in their districts or working on deals and legislation behind closed doors. Here is a look at who is in leadership at the NCGA: https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/article270966782.html
Session will start back this week as both the House and Senate will convene at noon on Wednesday, January 25.
Committee Assignments
Both Senate and House Standing Committees were assigned. NASW-NC usually interacts the most with Senate Health Care; Appropriations; Appropriations on Education/Higher Education and Appropriations Justice and Public Safety Standing Committees. On the House side we follow Appropriations; Appropriations Education; Appropriations Health and Human Services; Education K-12, Families, Children and Aging Policy; and Health. Important Non Standing Committees that often have social work and social justice-related legislation include the Child Fatality Task Force; Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Education, Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services; and the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Medicaid and NC Health Choice.
Social worker and Senator Sydney Batch was assigned to the Senate Finance; Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services; Commerce and Insurance; Health Care; and Judiciary. Social worker and Senator Graig Meyer was assigned to Pensions and Retirement and Aging; State and Local Government; Transportation; and Appropriations on General Government and Technology.
REGISTRATION OPEN! North Carolina Social Work Advocacy Day!
After two years of an entirely virtual program, the 2023 North Carolina Social Work Advocacy Day will be in-person in Raleigh on Wednesday, March 1, 2023! We are so excited to share in-person space with you and collectively advocate for issues that affect social work, our clients and our communities.
Our bi-annual Social Work Advocacy Day is a 1-day program where social work professionals and students throughout North Carolina convene to learn the legislative process and get a “hands-on” advocacy experience by discussing important policy issues with state legislators and/or their staff in meetings that YOU set up! Advocacy Day gives you the opportunity to tour the North Carolina General Assembly, attend legislative committee meetings and interact with social workers from across the state.
Space is limited so be sure to register TODAY: https://www.naswnc.org/event/2023SocialWorkAdvocacyDay
Attendees are HIGHLY encouraged to attend the Free Webinar: 2023 NASW-NC Legislative Agenda and Advocacy 101: Advocating for Social Work and Social Justice in 2023 on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at noon Eastern. This will be a live webinar open to everyone. This webinar will be recorded for later viewing. 1 hour of CE is available to attendees of the webinar. Registration is separate for this webinar.
Other relevant news:
Josh Stein announces 2024 campaign for North Carolina governor
Source: https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/article271316737.html
Social Workers and Advocates Successfully Force Lebanon, OH to Remove Draconian “Aiding” and “Abetting” Provisions From Local Anti-Abortion Law
“We are proud to have defeated Lebanon’s attempt to criminalize social workers for simply doing their jobs,” said Danielle Smith, Executive Director of NASW Ohio. “Prior to our successful litigation, social workers across Ohio were at risk of being sent to jail not only for helping people access essential health care but even just providing therapeutic space for clients to talk about abortion. This is a critical victory in ensuring our clients receive quality care.”
