Wisconsin Senate Bill SB1062

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/21/24
• Refer: 2/21/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

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

Impact

The introduction of SB1062 is expected to positively impact the field of education by addressing the need for more qualified school social workers in public schools. By providing stipends, the bill aims to encourage students to pursue careers in school social work, potentially alleviating shortages in this essential area and improving mental health resources available to students. It also signifies a commitment to fostering the next generation of professionals equipped to serve within the educational system, thus enhancing support for students’ social and emotional well-being.

Summary

Senate Bill 1062 concerns the provision of stipend payments for school social worker interns in Wisconsin. This bill mandates that the Department of Public Instruction provide financial stipends to individuals who are either enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program leading to licensure as school social workers and are placed as interns in public schools governed by school boards. The funding aimed for these stipends is set at $2,000,000 for both the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years, thereby ensuring this support for aspiring school social workers is allocated in the state budget.

Contention

While there do not appear to be specific points of contention cited within the snippets available, there are typically varying opinions on funding allocations for educational programs. Discussions surrounding fiscal impacts and prioritization of budget resources among various social services can be anticipated as the bill progresses through legislative review. Stakeholders, including educators and social service advocates, may weigh in on the efficacy of such stipends versus other educational budget considerations.