Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB1151

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/6/24
• Refer: 3/6/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Stipend payments for school social worker interns and making an appropriation. (FE)

Impact

The enactment of AB1151 will likely lead to an increased number of trained school social workers, addressing the critical need for mental health support within schools. By offering financial support for internships, the bill aims to remove financial barriers that may prevent students from completing their training. As school social workers play a vital role in supporting the emotional and psychological well-being of students, the bill's provisions could positively impact student health outcomes and academic success.

Summary

Assembly Bill 1151 introduces a new program in the state of Wisconsin aimed at providing financial support to individuals pursuing careers as school social workers. The bill mandates the Department of Public Instruction to offer stipends of $2,000,000 each for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years to those enrolled in programs that lead to licensure as school social workers. These stipends are intended for students who have secured internship placements in public schools governed by school boards.

Contention

While proponents view AB1151 as a step forward in addressing mental health needs in schools, there may be concerns regarding the funding allocation and management of the program. Stakeholders might question the adequacy of the allocated funds and whether they suffice to support the projected number of interns. Moreover, there is an ongoing debate about the implications of such funding on existing educational budgets and the allocation of resources among diverse educational needs.