LEAD 2024 Booklet

HB

Thank you for joining us for Legislative Education and Advocacy Day! If you’ve joined us in past years, welcome back! If this is your first year attending LEAD, you’re in for an exciting day of education and advocacy.

We understand that attending legislative meetings and advocating for legislation can be intimidating, especially if this is all new to you. However, there is no reason to worry. Legislators want to hear what their constituents have to say. Your voice matters, and we hope that Legislative Education and Advocacy Day will help you better understand how social workers elevate society!

We encourage you to look through the materials in the following pages to familiarize yourself with the bill we are advocating for. If you still have questions, please feel free to find a sta member or volunteer, we are here to help you have a successful day.

LEAD 2024

AGENDA

March 19, 2024

CITY ISLAND

For 2024 NASW-PA will have a march to the Capitol steps if you are unable to participate in the march, the rally begins at the Capitol steps at 11:30am

Handicap accessibility available on the East Wing by the fountain and meet at the Capital steps

10:00 am - 11:00 am | Meet at City Island in Harrisburg at the foot bridge

11:00 am - 11:30 am | March to the Capital Steps, please be aware this is a 20 minute walk along a bridge that has a sidewalk

THE CAPITOL

11:30 am - 12:00 pm | Rally at the Harrisburg Front Capital Steps featuring remarks from members of the General Assembly on the social work profession and social workers in school settings.

12:00 pm – 3:00pm | Attend legislative visits

HB1500 Summary & Talking Points

BILL SUMMARY:

HB1500- Increasing Minimum Wage

An Act amending the act of January 17, 1968 (P.L.11, No.5), known as The Minimum Wage Act of 1968, further providing for definitions, for minimum wages and for exemptions.

This legislation (formerly HB 15) seeks to amend the Minimum Wage Act of 1968 to increase the minimum wage over time, abolish the sub-minimum wage, protect the gratuities of workers from wage the , and expand the universe of beneficiaries to include gig workers, incarcerated workers, and neurodivergent workers.

NASW-PA TALKING POINTS:

Please note this bill is for talking to the SENATE.

HB 1500 will increase the minimum wage in Pennsylvania to $15.00 per hour by 2026 and permanently index it to inflation therea er. It will also include language to set the tipped wage in Pennsylvania to 60% of the minimum wage as previously established in Pennsylvania Code Title 34, Chapter 231.34.

Since 2009, Pennsylvania’s minimum wage has been $7.25 per hour. In 1997, Pennsylvania’s tipped wage was set at $2.83 per hour and has not seen an increase since that time.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, thirty states have a higher minimum wage than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. Fi een states have or will have their minimum wage increase tied to the Consumer Price Index or other similar measures to provide automatic increases with inflation. The federal tipped minimum wage has been $2.13 per hour since 1991. Currently, twenty-eight states have a higher tipped minimum wage rate above Pennsylvania’s current $2.83 per hour.

Since 2015, all Pennsylvania’s neighboring states have had minimum wages that exceeded Pennsylvania’s $7.25 per hour. Currently, four of the neighboring states have a higher tipped wage while two were below $2.83 per hour.

On average, a worker who earns minimum wage will only earn $15,000 per year. Due to the rising costs, workers are unable to pay for basic necessities and forced to rely on public assistance. This legislation will increase the minimum wage in Pennsylvania to:

· $11.00 per hour e ective January 1, 2024

· $13.00 per hour e ective January 1, 2025

· $15.00 per hour e ective January 1, 2026

Rep. Jason Dawkins

Photo by Vecteezy SENATE

Rep. Aerion Abney

BILL SUMMARY:

HB1841 Summary & Talking Points

NASW-PA TALKING POINTS:

HB 1841, legislation that would authorize Pennsylvania to participate in the Social Work Licensure Compact, has been introduced by Representative Aerion Abney (D—Allegheny). If enacted, this bill would allow social workers who have, or are eligible for, an active license in Pennsylvania, to apply for a multi-state license.

The Social Work Licensure Compact would allow eligible social workers to practice in all states that join the compact, with the goal of eliminating barriers to practice and to client care, while still ensuring public protection. Through the Social Work Licensure Compact, consumers have greater access to social work services. The compact allows social workers to ensure continuity of care when clients relocate.

Additionally, states gain a supplementary layer of oversight of social workers who may enter their state to practice. The data system will allow member states to verify instantaneously that social workers based in other states have met defined standards and competencies and are in good standing with other states' regulatory boards. The compact data system will help states better protect the public.

Allows for social work licensure in one member state to be authorized to work in all other compact member states.

The rise in telehealth has helped clarify the need for compact agreements so health care providers can service their patients wherever they are.

Through the Social Work Licensure Compact, consumers will have greater access to social work services.

The compact will promote mobility and address workforce shortages by eliminating burdensome and duplicative requirements.

The compact will allow social workers to ensure continuity of care when clients relocate.

Compact member states will improve the ability to protect the public’s health and safety with increased oversight.

The compact will support relocating military families who frequently relocate.

Passing this bill early will allow Pennsylvania to have more of a voice in determining the rules and regulations that will govern the compact.

Having the compact in place will make Pennsylvania more appealing to relocating and/or graduating social workers, which will help address workforce shortages in the Commonwealth.

Please note this bill is for talking to the HOUSE.

Sample Meeting Script

SAMPLE SCRIPT FOR HB 1841

“Hello, my name is [YOUR NAME] and I am a [SOCIAL WORK STUDENT OR SOCIAL WORKER] and a voting constituent. I would like to talk to you about supporting House Bill 1841 sponsored by Representative Aerion Abney. This legislation would authorize Pennsylvania to participate in the Social Work Licensure Compact. Through the Social Work Licensure Compact, consumers have greater access to social work services. The compact allows social workers to ensure continuity of care when clients relocate. Additionally, states gain a supplementary layer of oversight of social workers who may enter their state to practice. The data system will allow member states to verify instantaneously that social workers based in other states have met defined standards and competencies and are in good standing with other states' regulatory boards. The compact data system will help states better protect the public. Will you please support HB 1841 being brought to the House floor AND would you consider being a co-sponsor?” NOTE: If there is another issue / topic that concerns you, you are welcome to talk about it with your legislator. We ask that you please discuss these topics a er discussion of HB 1841, and inform your legislator that you are speaking on your own behalf and not that of NASW-PA. Please be respectful of the other people in your group.

SAMPLE SCRIPT FOR HB 1500

“Hello, my name is [YOUR NAME] and I am a [SOCIAL WORK STUDENT OR SOCIAL WORKER] and a voting constituent. I would like to talk to you about supporting House Bill 1500 sponsored by Representative Jason Dawkins. This legislation would increase the minimum wage in Pennsylvania to $15 per hour by 2026 and set the tipped wage to 60% of the minimum wage passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. This legislation would increase the minimum wage in Pennsylvania to $11 per hour by Jan. 1, 2024; $13 per hour by Jan. 1, 2025; and $15 per hour by Jan. 1, 2026. The minimum wage would be indexed to inflation beginning in 2027. Will you please support HB 1500 being heard in the SENATE?” NOTE: If there is another issue / topic that concerns you, you are welcome to talk about it with your legislator. We ask that you please discuss these topics a er discussion of HB 1500, and inform your legislator that you are speaking on your own behalf and not that of NASW-PA. Please be respectful of the other people in your group.

HB1841 FAQ

What is an interstate compact?

An interstate compact is a contract among two or more states creating an agreement on a particular policy issue, adopting a certain standard or cooperating on regional or national matters. Compacts are powerful, durable and adaptive tools for ensuring cooperative action among states. In recent years, professions have been using interstate compacts to facilitate occupational licensing reciprocity among states.

Through the Social Work Licensure Compact, consumers have greater access to social work services. The compact allows social workers to ensure continuity of care when clients relocate.

Additionally, states gain a supplementary layer of oversight of social workers who may enter their state to practice. The data system will allow member states to verify instantaneously that social workers based in other states have met defined standards and competencies and are in good standing with other states' regulatory boards. The compact data system will help states better protect the public.

How does the Social Work Licensure Compact work?

The Social Work Licensure Compact allows social workers who have or are eligible for an active, unencumbered license in the compact member state where they reside to apply for a multistate license. A er verifying eligibility, the social worker is granted a multistate license which authorizes practice in all other compact member states.

What are the advantages of the Social Work Licensure Compact?

The Social Work Licensure Compact allows eligible social workers to practice in all states that join the compact. The goal is to eliminate barriers to practice and to client care along with ensuring public protection. The Social Work Licensure Compact will also enhance a state’s ability to protect public safety.

Other benefits include:

• Enhancing the mobility of social workers

• Improving access to professional social work services

• Improving continuity of care when clients travel or relocate

• Supporting relocating military spouses

• Enhancing public safety

• Creating a data system of information about licensees including license status, investigative information and adverse actions

Does this establish a national license for social workers?

The Social Work Licensure Compact does not establish a national license. It establishes an optional, additional pathway for practitioners to practice in states where they do not hold a license. States retain control over their licensing requirements and scope of practice.

How can a social worker apply for a multistate license?

To apply for a multistate license, a social worker’s home state where they live must first join the compact. A er the social worker’s home state has joined the compact, the social worker can apply for a multistate license through the state’s social work licensing board.

How can I get involved?

Social workers can contact the state chapter or national o ice of their professional membership association, their state’s licensing board or state legislature to advocate for the licensure compact. To learn more about advocating for the licensure compact, please visit swcompact.org.

HB1500 FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - 1500

Would increasing the minimum wage hurt small businesses? Pennsylvania is one of 20 states with a minimum wage at the federal minimum of $7.25 an hour. In neighboring states New Jersey, Delaware, Ohio, Maryland and New York, the minimum wage is at least $3 higher than the federal minimum. Raising the minimum wage in Pennsylvania would allow small businesses to better compete with neighboring states.

Would increasing the minimum wage make less jobs available?

“Extensive research led by UC Berkeley economists and alumni has found that significant increases in the minimum wage have little, if any, impact on employers’ hiring decisions. In fact, the researchers say, a higher minimum wage can produce benefits not just for workers, but for their employers, their communities and the entire economy.” (Lempinen, 2022)

How long has it been since we last changed the minimum wage?

What does that mean when adjusted for inflation?

The last time the minimum wage was increased in Pennsylvania was in 2009. That means that due to inflation a worker making 7.25 now is actually earning close to 27% less than a worker making the same amount in 2009.

Don’t most jobs already pay $15/hour? Why is this needed?

“Keystone Research Center, a Harrisburg think tank, released a report estimating 776,000 workers statewide could see a direct increase in pay if the minimum wage was higher. However, another 568,000 workers are estimated to see their pay increase as a result of the changing market landscape.” (Ravitch, 2024)

How does our current minimum wage hurt the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania?

30 states have increased their minimum wage while we have stayed static. People are leaving Pennsylvania and heading to surrounding states because they can make a higher wage. This makes our workforce challenges greater.

NASW-PA PACE Committee

The Political Action for Candidate Election (PACE) Committee is the political action committee of NASW, dedicated to advancing social workers’ values and public policy goals in campaigns, elections and building political relationships with elected o icials. NASW-PA PACE evaluates Pennsylvania legislative candidates as well as the gubernatorial candidates in respect to social work values and professional issues through several means. NASW-PA PACE uses your contributions to help elect candidates who will advance the profession and advocate for social justice.

Interested in becoming involved? Contact Johanna Byrd at jbyrd.naswpa@socialworkers.org – Learn more about NASW-PA PACE Committee online at www.nasw-pa.org/pace

NASW-PA Legislative Committee

The NASW-PA Legislative Committee is a newer committee that examines NASW-PA’s legislative agenda and evaluates proposed legislation in relation to the interests of professional social work and the clients we serve. The committee recommends to the BOard and others to take a position on certain bills of interest, wheather it be to support, oppose, or remain neutral. This information is then used by our sta and lobbying team to informat our actions in the legislative arena.

If you have interest in becoming involved with the Legislative Committee, Contact Johanna Byrd at jbyrd.naspa@socialworkers.org

If you are interested in joining one of these or any other commitee: Go to www.nasw-pa.org/volunteer

2024 Conference Theme & Rationale:

We are excited to announce the theme for our 2024 Annual Conference: Empowering Social Workers! Inspiring Action, Leading Change.

Social Workers deserve better compensation for the important work they do! Our nation needs social workers more than ever at this time in our society as social workers are uniquely qualified to handle societal troubles. Social workers enter the profession because they truly want to help others and go through years of education, training, and supervision so they can do the important work of meeting people where they are and helping them achieve their goals. Social workers are trained to help individuals, families, communities, and the larger society. You will find social workers everywhere — in schools, hospitals, at the federal, state, and local levels in government, corporations, social service agencies, and veterans centers. The demand for social workers is reflected in the statistics. By 2030 there will be more than 782,00 social workers in the United States? This makes social work one of the fastest growing professions in the United States, however, social workers need support to meet the high demand for their vital work. This is why the 2024 Social Work Month and theme of 2024’s Annual Conference is Empowering Social Workers! Inspiring Action, Leading Change. We look forward to seeing you at the Kalahari Resorts and Convention Center October 13 – 16, 2024!

2024 Conference Student

• Volunteer opportunities for student members

• Student-focused workshop track - date TBD stay up to date by checking the conference page

• Present a poster at our BSW / MSW / DSW student poster presentations

• Network with other students and professionals from around Pennsylvania

• Learn about job opportunities and graduate programs at our exhibit hall

Sunday, October 13th-

Wednesday, October 16th, 2024

Pocono Manor, PA

The University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work is proud to support the 2024 NASW LEAD event

SOCIAL WORKPathways in

Millersville University offers comprehensive experiences at all levels, both online and face to face.

Bachelor of Arts Social Work

Master of Social Work

Master of Social Work/Master of Education

Sport Management (dual program)

Master of Social Work/Master of Science

Emergency Management (dual program)

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Expressive Arts

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Home & School Visitor

Post-Masters Certificate in School Social Work

Doctor of Social Work

www.millersville.edu/socialwork

Restaurants Near the Capitol

Roxy's Café - $

274 North St, Harrisburg, PA 17101 (717) 232-1511

Burger Yum - $

400 N 2nd St, Harrisburg, PA 17101 (717) 727-7127

Old Town Delicatessen - $ 512 N 3rd St, Harrisburg, PA 17101 (717) 856-8432

Sammy's Authentic Italian Restaurant - $$ 1112, 502 N 3rd St, Harrisburg, PA 17101 (717) 221-0192

The Vegetable Hunter - $$ 614 N 2nd St, Harrisburg, PA 17101 (717) 695-6229

Cafe Freso - $$

215 N 2nd St, Harrisburg, PA 17101 (717) 236-2599

Masa Authentic Cuisine - $$ 316 N 2nd St, Harrisburg, PA 17101 (717) 980-5980

The Capitol Restaurant - $ O ers a variety of food choices. Located at 61E on the Capitol map.

$ Inexpensive $$ Moderate $$$ Pricey

Strawberry Square (Food Court) - $$ 320 Market St, Harrisburg, PA 17101 (717) 236-5700

•Chef Chen’s Express

•Fresca Burger & Chicken Shack

•Freshido

•Little Amps Co ee

•Sakura Tokyo Express

•Santa Fe Mexican Grille

•Taco Bell

•Tropical Smoothie Cafe

•Two Brothers Pizza