New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A07948

Introduced
4/16/25  

Caption

Creates a program to award state financial aid for social work services to be provided in libraries located in economically disadvantaged communities to enhance and expand access to services in places where individuals seek assistance and resources.

Impact

If implemented, A07948 would require libraries in economically disadvantaged areas to actively collaborate with state officials to develop and manage social work programs. This would entail applying for state aid to fund the salaries and operational costs associated with employing social workers. The anticipated outcome of this bill is to relieve libraries from diverting funds from their primary functions, such as purchasing books or maintaining facilities, thereby allowing them to broaden their service offerings without compromising existing resources.

Summary

Bill A07948 aims to create a state aid program specifically designated for social work services within public libraries situated in economically disadvantaged communities. The underlying intent of the bill is to position social workers in libraries, thereby enhancing access to essential services and support for individuals who frequent these public spaces seeking assistance. The bill highlights the critical role that libraries play as community hubs, particularly for vulnerable populations who may face various social challenges. By integrating social work services into libraries, the bill seeks to empower communities and directly address their social needs, potentially increasing overall community well-being.

Contention

While the bill has obvious supporters, concerns may arise regarding the sustainability and efficacy of integrating social work into library services. Some stakeholders could argue that libraries should remain focused on their core mission of providing educational resources and access to information, rather than taking on roles traditionally held by social service agencies. Additionally, there may be debate surrounding the adequacy of funding and the administrative capabilities of libraries to manage the proposed social work programs effectively. This tension between expanding service offerings and maintaining focus could be a point of contention as the bill is discussed further.

Companion Bills

NY S05494

Same As Creates a program to award state financial aid for social work services to be provided in libraries located in economically disadvantaged communities to enhance and expand access to services in places where individuals seek assistance and resources.

Previously Filed As

NY S07093

Expands state aid eligibility for library construction for public libraries that are located in economically disadvantaged communities.

NY A09076

Expands state aid eligibility for library construction for public libraries that are located in economically disadvantaged communities.

NY A09264

Establishes a child care program capital improvement tax credit program for child care programs to provide financial assistance to New York's child care providers to facilitate the enhancement, expansion, and improvement of access to quality child care.

NY S08984

Establishes a child care program capital improvement tax credit program for child care programs to provide financial assistance to New York's child care providers to facilitate the enhancement, expansion, and improvement of access to quality child care.

NY S07904

Relates to expanding employee ownership assistance for transgender and non-binary individuals; expands such assistance beyond industrial and manufacturing plants and includes transgender and non-binary individuals.

NY S01459

Relates to the provision of financial assistance to museums, zoos, botanical gardens, aquariums and other cultural institutions located in low-income urban, suburban or rural communities, or that provide educational services to students from such communities.

NY A03835

Relates to the provision of financial assistance to museums, zoos, botanical gardens, aquariums and other cultural institutions located in low-income urban, suburban or rural communities, or that provide educational services to students from such communities.

NY A01385

Relates to community hiring and workforce development; provides employment opportunities for economically disadvantaged candidates and economically disadvantaged region candidates and apprenticeship utilization on public transactions; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon the expiration thereof.

NY A09174

Enacts the "disadvantaged communities commitment act"; requires investor-owned energy utilities to collect and publish data on disadvantaged communities in certain service areas and file such statistics with the public service commission.

NY S08693

Enacts the "disadvantaged communities commitment act"; requires investor-owned energy utilities to collect and publish data on disadvantaged communities in certain service areas and file such statistics with the public service commission.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.