Committees:

 The legislative committee is intended to serve during and between legislative sessions to inform social workers of current legislative priorities and to advocate on behalf of our values and ethics at a policy level. The legislative committee analyzes relevant policy issues and recommends legislative priorities. Additionally, the committee can recommend support or non-support of bills. The legislative committee will reach out to elected officials, lawmakers, state agency leaders, and political candidates to secure support and sponsorship of legislation that aligns with social work values. The legislative committee also seeks to educate social workers and social work students on the legislative process and the importance of engagement. 

Our Mission

The mission of the legislative committee is to advocate for laws, policies, and practices that reflect social work values and ethics for both the profession of social work and the clients and communities we serve at the local and state level. 

About the LC co-chairs: 

Dr. Judy Barnstone is an Associate Professor of Social Work at the Facundo Valdez School of Social Work at New Mexico Highlands University, teaching in the areas of research and political advocacy for about twelve years. She is a former maternal-child health and medical social worker, and her primary interest lies in socioeconomic influences on health and well-being.  
 

Professor Emeritus Alvin L. Sallee taught Social Work for 39 years, having served as the Academic Head of the New Mexico State University BSW and MSW Social Work programs for 18 years.  His advocacy has included the US Congress and New Mexico legislature for 40 years, including supervision of students working in the legislature.  He chaired the Governor’s Task Force on Family Policy under two Governors, chaired the Adoption Task Force resulting in the first New Mexico Adoption Act, and chaired the Social Work Licensing Board, guiding it through reauthorization.  

If you are interested in participating in the committee or would like to learn more,  please email below.