The Social Work Program at NEIU brought in Illinois State Senator Iris Martinez to speak about her thoughts on social work and the achievements social workers have brought to the state of Illinois on March 15. Several students, faculty, and NEIU alumni were present at the event, showing the growing interest in the social work program at NEIU.
The event, titled “Celebration of the Social Work Profession,” touched upon various issues having to do with social work. Martinez first focused on her achievements in the state senate regarding the field.
“I knew how hard it is to pay for college. I was able to pass a bill that would forgive your loan,” said Martinez when she explained the loan forgiveness program for students majoring in social work.
Throughout the event, Martinez stressed the importance social workers play in Illinois. This constant reminder played well into the event’s theme of celebrating the hard work social work professionals have given to the state.
“These are the times we need more social workers,” said Martinez as she connected the role of the current economic condition of Illinois to the need and importance of social workers. “Who knows, we could have saved one life if we had more workers in the system.”
“[Social work] is not the best paying job…” said Martinez as she commended all the social workers present, “But when you go home from work you can sleep knowing you did something good.”
As Martinez spoke about her achievements in the state senate, she shared her philosophy regarding state cuts.
“Cut whatever you want to cut, but there are two areas that you cannot cut: education and social services,” said Martinez, “I will not vote on any bill that cuts on any of the human services or education.”
After Martinez finished her speech, she was presented with an award for her dedication to NEIU. The award was personally handed to Martinez by Head of the NEIU Social Work Department Jane Stanley. Following the handing of the award, a panel discussion made up of former and current NEIU social work alumni began. The panel asked various questions to Martinez, most of which focused on her efforts to support social work in Illinois.
“If we do pass higher income taxes, how do we help those individuals who are already struggling to pay bills?” asked NEIU alumnus and instructor Luis O. Ortiz. Ortiz was following up on Martinez’s comment in which she stated that the senate is currently looking to increase income taxes to help out the state during today’s economic crisis.
“Investments,” said Martinez as she responded to Ortiz’s question. “People say taxes hurt people, but when you look at income taxes that haven’t been touched in 20 years [one could see] a lot of potential.”
Current NEIU student and social work major Yvette Young asked Martinez what immediate plans were in play in the state senate that would help create better high schools in Chicago.
Martinez responded by explaining how the “Grow Your Own Teachers” program, which she has helped put together, would hopefully aid in creating more competent and caring teachers for Chicago Public Schools. Martinez explained how the program began with parent volunteers at schools.
“Why not make [these volunteers] teachers? Why not grow our own teachers from our own neighborhoods that aren’t going to quit next year?” asked Martinez. She then said how state money is currently being funded for this program in hopes of seeing it grow and succeed. After the panel discussion, the floor was open to questions from the audience. Once again, Martinez was sure to thank the current and future social workers in attendance, giving them thanks for their insight and support.
Martinez is an alumna of NEIU, serves the 20th District of Illinois and holds the position of Assistant Majority Leader in the Illinois State Senate.