Social Work Interstate Licensure Compact moves onto House & Senate Finance Committees!
Governor Stein Delivers State of the State Address
U.S. Department of Education says it will cut nearly half its staff
NASW-NC Social Work Advocacy Guide
Equality NC Advocacy Day
March is Problem Gambling Month
NASW-NC Needs to Hear From You! -LAST DAY 3/21/25!
NCGA Bills to Watch
2025 Ethics Conference - LAST DAY TO REGISTER 3/17/25!
Social Work Interstate Licensure Compact passes House Health Committee and Senate Judiciary Committee!
Last week, the Social Work Interstate Licensure Compact Bill SB 155/HB 231 passed unanimously through the House Health Committee on March 11, 2025 & Senate Judiciary Committee on March 12, 2025. The bill has moved to the
House Financial & Senate Finance Committees. Valerie Arendt, NASW-NC Executive Director; Lauren Zingraff, Director of Policy and Advocacy; and Elizabeth Pope, Executive Director of NC Social Work Certification and Licensure Board (NCSWCLB) were present
at both hearings.
Follow updates on the Social Work Compact in the NC General Assembly here.
The North Carolina legislation (SB155 and HB231)
would allow licensed clinical social workers to apply to provide their services across multiple states. A comprehensive data system would also be created so the public could be kept safe and informed regarding social worker’s current license status
and any adverse actions associated with a licensed clinical social worker.
NASW-NC has worked tirelessly for the last two years to secure the 40 primary and co-sponsors in both the Senate and House of Representatives. NASW-NC is the only organization with registered
lobbyists working to advance and promote the social work profession at the North Carolina General Assembly. This work would not be possible without the support of the members of NASW-NC. If you are a social worker and not a member of NASW, we ask
that you please join us in this important advocacy work.
On Wednesday, March 12, Governor Josh Stein delivered his first State of the State Address, highlighting the ongoing work to recover in western North Carolina and urging the General Assembly to invest in economic opportunity, workforce development, families
and children, public schools, and public safety. Specifically, he urged the General Assembly to resolve their differences and quickly pass a Helene recovery funding bill.
“We’re talking $60 billion in damages overall– by far the costliest storm to ever hit North Carolina,” said Governor Stein. “That’s too much for those affected to bear themselves. They need our help. People need to get back in their homes. Roads and bridges
need to be fixed. Businesses need to keep their doors open and their workers employed. And communities need clean drinking water. No matter where they live, the people of North Carolina need to know that if disaster strikes, we will be there.”
Governor Stein also explicitly mentioned school social workers, stating, “North Carolina has underinvested in school social workers, counselors, and psychologists for far too long. Let’s make sure our schools have the support staff they
need to improve our kids’ mental health and help them thrive.”
U.S. Department of Education says it will cut nearly half its staff
The U.S. Department of Education announced on Tuesday evening that it will be cutting nearly 50% of the department’s workforce, representing more than 1,300 positions. Impacted staff will be placed on administrative leave beginning March 21, according
to the announcement.
The announcement comes just one week after the Senate confirmed President Donald Trump’s nomination of Linda McMahon to be the next secretary of the department. Following her swearing in last week, McMahon referred to the overhaul of the department as its “final mission.”
“Today’s reduction in force reflects the Department of Education’s commitment to efficiency, accountability, and ensuring that resources are directed where they matter most: to students, parents, and teachers,” McMahon said in the Tuesday statement. “I
appreciate the work of the dedicated public servants and their contributions to the Department. This is a significant step toward restoring the greatness of the United States education system.”
According to the announcement, the reduction in force will impact all divisions within the department, with “some divisions requiring significant reorganization to better serve students, parents, educators, and taxpayers.”
“The Department of Education will continue to deliver on all statutory programs that fall under the agency’s purview, including formula funding, student loans, Pell Grants, funding for special needs students, and competitive grantmaking,” the announcement
says.
In addition to the more than 1,300 positions impacted by this reduction in force, about 600 employees have accepted voluntary resignations or retired over the last two months, according to the department.
Following the reduction, “the Department’s workforce will total roughly 2,183 workers.”
Social work has always been a profession of compassion + action. Rooted in justice, dignity, and the unwavering belief in human worth, we are called to challenge oppressive systems, dismantle barriers to equity, and advocate for those whose voices have
been silenced. In this moment—one of uncertainty, division, and urgent need—our profession must stand firm in our core values and rise to the work ahead. Social workers are uniquely prepared for this moment in history, as we understand that the systems
and environments surrounding individuals and families are rooted in systemic oppression, disproportionate poverty, and targeted injustices. We know how to navigate unjust policies, combat systemic racism, and provide and lead critical care and healing
interventions. Please find support and guidance in the NASW-NC Social Work Advocacy Guide - Social Work Core Values as a Foundation for Action: Reclaiming Our Power, Advancing Justice.
Equality NC Advocacy Day
Our care, our choices, our rights—woven together in solidarity!
Take action for a future where our choices, our families, and our lives are truly free, with ENC and other leading advocacy groups! (Including Human Rights Campaign, Pro-Choice NC; ACLU-NC; and Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, among others).
Your presence matters whether you're a seasoned advocate or new to activism. We'll provide the tools, training, and support to help you engage with policymakers and push for change. Together, we can build a future where everyone can decide about their
bodies—without barriers or discrimination.
Save the Date: Tuesday, March 25 for Advocacy Day:Rainbow Repro 2025!
Location: North Carolina General Assembly, 16 West Jones Street, Raleigh
Program materials along with a light breakfast and lunch will be provided. Please register for the advocacy day by March 19th to help us prepare for the event.
If you want to learn about legislative advocacy or just brush up on your skills, join us on Wednesday, March 19 to review some basic tips of this type of advocacy and how to increase your impact.
Problem gambling is all behavior patterns that compromise, disrupt, or damage personal, family or vocational pursuits. In extreme cases, problem gambling can lead to significant financial issues, fractured personal relationships, and serious mental and
emotional distress. Since the legalization of online sports betting in March 2024, North Carolina has seen a significant increase in gambling activities.
This month highlights the importance of investing in and promoting resources for those who are struggling. NCDHHS has enhanced its efforts to address problem gambling by increasing funding for education, outreach, and treatment services. The North Carolina Problem Gambling Program continues to offer its services, including counseling and peer support, to help people maintain a healthy relationship with gambling or abstain completely. Individuals seeking assistance can contact the free, confidential North Carolina Problem Gambling
Helpline at 877-718-5543, text morethanagamenc to 53342, or visit the morethanagame.nc.gov website.
NASW-NC is seeking feedback from social workers and social work students in North Carolina...
Please click here to take the survey! It should only take 5-10 minutes to complete, and
you can be entered into a drawing to win a free social work t-shirt!
The survey is open to all social workers and social work students in North Carolina, regardless of NASW membership status (current NASW members, former members, and social workers/social work students who
have never been a member). All responses are appreciated. This survey helps NASW-NC determine what social workers and social work students in North Carolina need from their professional association, and will impact the work NASW-NC does over the next
few years.
SB 155 (HB 231): The Social Work Interstate Licensure Compact works to
increase access to social workers and this bill would add North Carolina into a compact where social workers from other states who meet requirements within the bill can serve North Carolinians. Click Here for how you can support passage of the Social Work Compact.
HB5: NC Constitutional Carry Act. This bill
will allow North Carolinians to carry a concealed handgun without a permit.
HB66: Reduce Early Voting Period. This bill will reduce the early voting period across
NC by nearly two weeks (12 days).
HB72 (SB58):
AG/Restrict Challenge to Presidential EO's. This bill will prohibit the NC Attorney General from challenging executive orders issued by the President.
HB76: Protect Access to In Vitro Fertilization. An act to protect access to in vitro
fertilization in NC.
HB77: Environmental Justice. This bill will require consideration of the cumulative
impact of a proposed environmental permitting decision on minority or low-income communities. It will also enhance public participation in environmental permitting decisions in minority or low-income communities.
HB 87: Cell Phone-Free Education: Would prohibit or drastically reduce cell phone usage during instructional time for students in public schools.
HB171: Equality on State Agencies/Prohibition on DEI. This bill will eliminate Diversity,
Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and prohibit public funding for DEI initiatives in state and local government.
HB237: Child Welfare: An Act to Make Various Changes to the Laws Affecting Juveniles and Associated Services.
HB270: Revise Law on the Death Penalty. This bill will revise the current methods of execution for people sentenced to death
in North Carolina. It will make electrocution the default method, while convicted persons can request 14 days in advance execution via lethal injection or firing squad.
HB301: Social Media Protections for Minors Under 16 would prohibit children 14 and younger from having a social media profile. It further would allow 15- and 16-year-olds to have social media profiles,
but only with parental consent.
HB318:The Criminal Illegal Alien Enforcement Acts strengthens House Bill 10—enacted during the 2023-24 legislative
session—which requires state, county, and local law enforcement agencies to cooperate with ICE before releasing illegal migrants arrested for violent offenses.
SB94: Repeal Death Penalty. This bill will repeal the death penalty and all current
prisoners sentenced to death will be resentenced.
SB153: North Carolina Border Protection Actwill
require cooperation with federal immigration officials and “prohibit UNC constituent institutions from becoming sanctuary universities.”
SB177: Add Psychiatric Hospitals to Medicaid HASPwill
add psychiatric hospitals to Medicaid coverage.
SB181: Increase Funding for Mobile Crisis Units. Will provide additional funding to support five new mobile crisis
teams providing services to the areas of highest need in NC.
SB191 will require the Center for Safer Schools to develop a presentation on the consequences of gun use and
will require local public schools to provide the presentation to all students in grade seven and grade nine.
SB227: Eliminating "DEI" in Public Education. This bill will ban Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (“DEI”) content and
programs in public education.
NASW-NC Ethics Conference - LAST DAY TO REGISTER 3/17/25!
The 2025 Ethics Conference "Innovation and Ethics: The Future of Social Work in a Tech-Driven World" will explore the intersection of technology and social work in the modern era. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the role of technology in
social work is becoming increasingly significant. This conference aims to create meaningful discussions around how innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and digital platforms can enhance the delivery of social
work on all levels, while also addressing the ethical challenges they present.
Key topics of focus will include the integration of technology and AI in social work practice, clinical documentation considerations with data privacy and security, and the ethical responsibilities of social workers in navigating the digital divide. Attendees
will have the opportunity to engage with seasoned practitioners in these areas and learn how social workers can leverage technological advancements and maintain their commitment to ethical principles, client autonomy, and social justice.
Thank you to the members of NASW-NC for supporting the advocacy work we do. We would not be able to advocate for the social work profession or social justice issues in North Carolina without a robust and engaged NASW membership. If you are a social worker
and not a member, we ask that you join NASW today. Our voice is louder with your membership.
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