Voting Resources

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Voting is Social Work

Talking to Your Legislator

Legislative Priorities for Social Work in New York

The Advocacy and Government Relations (AGR) Committee at NASW-NY determines our legislative priorities each year. Learn more about the AGR Committee and how you can get involved.

New York has long led progressive labor movements—and now must lead again by prioritizing the social work profession. Our legislative focus includes:

Increasing base pay for social workers who provide essential services across the state
Reducing student loan debt to attract and retain the next generation of social workers
Improving mental health services in schools by ensuring equitable social worker-to-student ratios

These goals are critical to supporting the health and wellbeing of communities throughout New York.

Related Position Papers and Reports

Additional Priorities Voted by the AGR Committee (as of April 24, 2025)

Please note: The AGR Committee has voted to include the following additional priorities for the NASW NY Chapter to advocate on:

Daniel's Law (S3670/A4617)
Read more about Daniel's Law
NY For All Act (S2235/A3506)
Read more about the NY For All Act
Oppose the SUPPORT Act (S6999/A780)
Read NASW NYS/NYC Memo of Opposition
Oppose the Empire State of Mind Bill (A2719B)
Read the bill

Letters of Support

Our legislative priorities are issues that impact and intersect with all social workers. Beyond these priorities, we participate in coalitions, partner with organizations, and provide direct comment and recommendations on a variety of issues and bills that align with the values of social work. The NASW-NYS and NYC Chapters are working in collaboration toward a unified New York Chapter.

2025 Letters of Support

Memo of Support: Right to Remain Silent Bill (A8923-A/S1099-A)
Memo of Opposition: SUPPORT Act
Memo of Support: Daniel's Law (S3670/A4697)
Memo of Support: Workplace Bullying Prevention Act (A3482/S1893)
Memo of Support: End Health Professional Complicity in Torture (S7865/A2826)
Memo of Support: Social Work Workforce Act (A701/S988)
Budget Letter: FY 2025–26 Veterans Mental Health Training Initiative
Memo of Support: Reforming Temporary Disability Insurance (A84/S172)

Take Action for Social Work Advocacy

Act Now campaigns empower social workers to influence policy by connecting directly with legislators through email, phone, or in-person meetings. These advocacy tools spotlight issues that affect our profession, clients, and communities at every level of government.

Each campaign features pre-written letters, reviewed by fellow social workers, making it easy to take quick, meaningful action. Personalize your message with your experience or research to make it even more impactful.

Browse our current Act Now campaigns and lend your voice. It only takes three minutes to stand up for social justice and strengthen our collective impact.