We thank all of you for helping us create valuable advocacy, leadership, and professional development experiences for all social workers across California. With your voice and feedback, Title Protection continues to be our Chapter’s priority in advancing the social work profession and its consumers.
When we initially planned our second annual Legislative Education and Advocacy Day (L.E.A.D.), our focus was creating a grassroots movement to pass Title Protection for Social Workers (SB 766) as state law.
However, as we enter the new year, the political realities facing SB 766 have become increasingly clear and we must grapple with the possibility that Title Protection will not make it past the Appropriations Committee where it is currently sitting. Additionally, we are cognizant of California’s 2024-2025 budget deficit. After record spending budget surpluses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, and tax filing extensions, California is estimated to face a budget deficit of $68 billion in 2024-2025. Unfortunately, this deficit will impact a wide variety of social services and programs, and the legislative process for numerous bills.
Due to these realities, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2024 Social Workers L.E.A.D. While we hoped SB 766 would pass out of the legislature this year, we understand the current legislative process, budget deficit, and associated political realities will make this highly unlikely. Refunds are currently being processed to all who registered for the event, and we appreciate your interest and investment in our advocacy efforts. Please wait 1-2 weeks for a refund to be processed, and contact Jane Kim at jkim.naswca@socialworkers.org if you do not receive a refund within 10 business days.
Thank you for understanding as we navigate these sudden changes. Together, we will continue to reimagine and advocate for policies that provide social workers and the communities we serve with the funding and resources they deserve. We look forward to continuing to provide you with relevant and timely opportunities to advance the social work profession and advocate for social justice alongside us. Please stay tuned for additional ways to get engaged.
Please contact naswca@socialworkers.org with any questions about Social Workers L.E.A.D. or the California budget deficit.
