New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A07948

Introduced
4/16/25  
Refer
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 S05494

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.

NY SB2799

Socially and economically disadvantaged small business; establish program to encourage participation in state contracts by.

NY A08734

Requires a rate enhancement for reimbursement of individual psychotherapy services provided by a mental health counselor, a clinical social worker, or a psychologist where such services are provided in an outpatient substance use disorder clinic.

NY S08363

Requires a rate enhancement for reimbursement of individual psychotherapy services provided by a mental health counselor, a clinical social worker, or a psychologist where such services are provided in an outpatient substance use disorder clinic.

NY S01378

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 A06473

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 S1382

Access to School Readiness Programs for Economically Disadvantaged Households

NY SR169

A resolution expressing support for the staff of public, school, academic, and special libraries in the United States and the essential services those libraries provide to communities, recognizing the need for funding commensurate with the broad scope of social service and community supports provided by libraries, preserving the right of all citizens of the United States to freely access information and resources in their communities, supporting a strong union voice for library workers, and defending the civil rights of library staff.

NY HR328

Expressing support for the staff of public, school, academic, and special libraries in the United States and the essential services those libraries provide to communities, recognizing the need for funding commensurate with the broad scope of social service and community supports provided by libraries, preserving the right of all citizens of the United States to freely access information and resources in their communities, supporting a strong union voice for library workers, and defending the civil rights of library staff.

NY SR688

A resolution expressing support for the staff of public, school, academic, and special libraries in the United States and the essential services those libraries provide to communities, recognizing the need for funding commensurate with the broad scope of social service and community supports provided by libraries, preserving the right of all citizens of the United States to freely access information and resources in their communities, supporting a strong union voice for library workers, and defending the civil rights of library staff.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.