2018 Bills:

February 12, 2018 Press Conference

On February 12, 2018 NY Assembly Assistant Speaker Félix W. Ortiz  (D-Kings) and NY Senator Jesse Hamilton (D-Brooklyn) held a press conference with leaders of the New York State School Social

Workers' Association, as well as the National Association of Social Workers-New York State and New York City Chapters to introduce legislation, Bill A09533,  that requires access to "at least one full-time licensed or certified school social worker to be employed in each elementary, intermediate, middle, junior high school and senior high school” in New York State.

[NY Senator Jesse Hamilton]

Ortiz stated:  “Certified social workers are the ‘gatekeepers’ for our youth, adolescents, and young adults’ education to help guide their future successes. Many of these students face problems that require professional help. Early intervention is the most effective way to prevent difficulties later in life.”  Senator Hamilton noted:  “Mental health, emotional health and wellness all matter to educating our children. A parent fearing eviction, violence at home or in the community, any number of circumstances can impact a child’s ability to learn. School social workers have the expertise to help children, help families, and help our communities address these needs.”  See:

• Joint NYSSSWA & NASW  Press Release 
• Message from NYSSSWA's President  
• NYS Social Workers and Legislators Unite to Pass School Social Work Bill
• Interview with Assemblyman Félix Ortiz & Peg Barrett, NYSSSWA President
  https://youtu.be/CZr954gIj4M
• Spanish Interview with Assemblyman Félix Ortiz & Evelyn Bautista Miller, Bilingual School Social Worker  https://drive.google.com/open?id=1UFw5Gn2ZWt-00vqUhRegktaYH_dLxHCX
• Thank you letter from NY Assembly Assistant Speaker Félix W. Ortiz 

Candida Brooks Harrison, NASW-NYC President Elect
Peg Barrett, NYSSSWA President
Evelyn Bautista Miller, NYSSSWA Member & Bilingual SSW
Samantha Howell, NASW-NY Executive Director
Assistant Speaker Assemblyman Félix Ortiz,
Hai-Ping Yeh, NYSSSWA Past President
Kelly Hannon Nichols, NYSSSWA Legislative Chair

Press Conference NYS Assembly Assistant Speaker Félix Ortiz & Peg Barrett (NYSSSWA President) 

Interview with Assemblyman Félix Ortiz & Evelyn Bautista Miller