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Bill > SR97
NJ SR97
NJ SR97Urges Governor and Legislature to establish initiatives towards education of social workers.
summary
Introduced
05/09/2024
05/09/2024
In Committee
05/09/2024
05/09/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This resolution urges the Governor and the Legislature to establish initiatives towards the education of students seeking degrees in social work. Social workers play a crucial role in improving the well-being of the people of New Jersey and helping the State become a better place to live. As essential workers, social workers played a crucial role in helping communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Educational debt for social work graduates has continued to rise over the past 10 years. According to the Council on Social Work Education, 71.3 percent of baccalaureate graduates and 76 percent of master's graduates were in substantial educational loan debt. In 2021, the average loan debt was approximately $26,500 for a baccalaureate graduate, $48,000 for a master's graduate, and $135,000 for a doctorate graduate. The student loan debt burden carried by social workers is further compounded by the low salaries and compensation afforded to this segment of the workforce. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a social worker's median salary is only $50,390. Failure to address the student loan crisis faced by social workers will continue to economically harm those in practice and dissuade prospective social workers from entering the field. This resolution urges the Governor and the Legislature to work together to establish initiatives, such as creating scholarships and loan redemption programs, that invest in the education of students seeking to obtain baccalaureate and graduate degrees in social work in order to incentivize the career and ensure that the State has a qualified and educated workforce.
AI Summary
This resolution urges the Governor and Legislature of New Jersey to establish initiatives supporting social work education by creating scholarships and loan redemption programs. The resolution highlights the critical role social workers play in society, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and addresses the growing educational debt burden faced by social work students. According to the Council on Social Work Education, over 70% of social work graduates have substantial student loan debt, with average loan amounts ranging from $26,500 for baccalaureate graduates to $135,000 for doctoral graduates. The resolution notes that this debt is particularly challenging given the low median salary of $50,390 for social workers, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. By proposing targeted financial support, the resolution aims to incentivize students to enter the social work profession, ensure a qualified workforce, and prevent economic hardship for future social workers. The resolution specifically calls for collaborative efforts between the Governor and Legislature to develop programs that invest in social work education and support students pursuing baccalaureate and graduate degrees in the field.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Higher Education Committee (on 05/09/2024)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/SR97 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/SR/97_I1.HTM |
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