Sending Office: Honorable Barbara Lee
Sent By:
Mary.Martin2@mail.house.gov
February 11, 2019
Support the needs of Professional Social Workers
Become an Original Co-Sponsor of the
Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Social Work Reinvestment Act
Dear Colleague,
Please join me in becoming an original co-sponsor of the Social Work Reinvestment Act, which I will be reintroducing in March for National Professional Social Work Month. This legislation would establish the Social Work Reinvestment Commission,
which would provide independent counsel to Congress and the Secretary of Health and Human Services on policy issues associated with recruitment, retention, and research in the social work profession.
At a time when our nation is continuing to face serious social and economic challenges, including high poverty and unemployment rates, a strong Social Work network is more important than ever. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the social
work profession will grow at an above-average rate through the year 2024, with a 12 percent growth rate overall, and a 19 percent projected growth rate for health care social workers. This growth rate is faster than the average for all other occupations and
demonstrates the increasing demand for social workers in our nation.
However, serious safety concerns, significant student debt, and insufficient salaries threaten the ability of our nation’s professional social workers to provide critical services to individuals, families, and communities in need. In order to address these
significant challenges to the profession, the Social Work Reinvestment Act would help to ensure that millions of individuals and families throughout our nation continue to receive competent and timely care.
To become an original co-sponsor, please contact Mary Martin at Mary.Martin2@mail.house.gov at x5-2661. Deadline for original co-sponsorship is Friday, March 1st.
Sincerely,
/s/
Barbara Lee
Chair, Congressional Social Work Caucus
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