• NASW-FL's Advocacy Center
• Lobby Day Information
• 2010 Legislative Agenda/Issues
• Lobby Day Training

Lobby Day 2010 Information

It’s time for social workers from across the state of Florida to come together. By joining forces, we demonstrate to legislators and other leaders in Florida the importance of social work issues and help to move our legislative agenda forward. We hope to see you there!

SOCIAL WORK LOBBY DAY 2010 SCHEDULE

January–April 2010—Lobby Day Training, Part I: Local events held at the Schools of Social Work to provide information and training on legislative advocacy techniques in preparation for Lobby Day. Training will also be held as a refresher/make-up session before the Part II training, on April 5th from 3:00–4:00 p.m.

Monday, April 5th—Lobby Day Training, Part II: This event for social work professionals and students will provide advanced training and tools in legislative advocacy and a discussion of the issues that will be highlighted during Lobby Day. 4:30–7:30 p.m. at the Tallahassee Antique Car Museum. The keynote speaker will be Elizabeth Franklin, one of the lead legislative staff with NASW’s national office in Washington.

Tuesday, April 6th—Social Work Lobby Day 2010: There will be a rally at 8:30 a.m. on the front steps of the Historic Capitol Building. Finally, attend appointments with your legislators and make a difference!

To best prepare for Lobby Day, we offer the following tips:

1. Get Trained: Many universities are offering the Part I training in March—check with your school to find out when and where. If your school is not offering the training, you can watch an online version from NASW-FL President Amanda Evans. Find it at www.naswfl.org/legislative.html Finally, you can catch a repeat of the Part I training in Tallahassee at 3:00 p.m. on March 5.

2. Contact your Legislators Early: The most effective meetings at Lobby Day are ones where you have an appointment with your elected official. Call or e-mail your Representative and Senator’s office now to set up an appointment.

3. Get Familiar with the Issues, but Stay Flexible: During the legislative session, issues and priorities frequently shift. Look here to read about issues NASW-FL is tracking, or visit Online Sunshine at www.leg.state.fl.us to do your own research on issues and bills.

4. Get excited and have FUN!: Lobby Day is a great place to meet new people, experience beautiful Tallahassee in the springtime, and to feel the power of social work—you CAN make a difference!

NASW-FL’s Legislative Agenda

2010 Legislative Issues

IMPORTANT NOTE: The following issues have been identified by NASW-FL staff and lobbyists as relating to our legislative agenda. These issues are not necessarily the bills that will be focused on at Lobby Day. Due to careful consideration of the best use of time and advocacy efforts for Lobby Day efforts, bills targeted for Lobby Day will be selected based on current status in the legislature, likelihood of making a significant impact in the legislative process, and consideration of new bills and priorities as they arise. In addition, these bills may be amended at any time and may not be the most current version. For a current version of any of these bills, or to view the text of the companion bills, please visit Online Sunshine at www.leg.state.fl.us

Social Work Safety (HB 567/SB 1094)
HB 567 Relating to Assault and Battery
Talking Points on HB 567/SB 1094

Mental Health Parity (HB 7/SB 182)
HB 7 Relating to Coverage for Mental and Nervous Disorders

Forensic Mental Health (SB 1140)
SB 1140 Relating to Mental Health

Fair Adoption (HB 3/SB 102)
HB 3 Relating to Adoption

Foster Care – Transitional Services for Youth Aging Out (HB 627/SB 1356)
HB 627 Relating to Transitional Services for Youth

Hate Crimes – Homeless Persons (HB 11/SB 506)
HB 11 Relating to Crimes Against Homeless Persons