2016 Legislator of the Year
Representative Laurie Halverson
MSSWA honored Representative Laurie Halverson as our 2016 Legislator of the Year. Elected in 2012, Representative Laurie Halverson is currently in her 3rd term serving District 51B . Representative Halvorson has been a staunch advocate for education, children and strengthening our mental health care system. For example, she has authored various bills allocating resources for school readiness and early education and has been leading efforts to secure funding for school based mental health supports. She recognizes and values the roles and expertise of school social workers in reducing the social and emotional barriers of children and youth within the educational setting. Representative Halvorson has authored a bill to secure funding for school social work positions both last session and again recently reintroduced a school social work funding bill for the 2017 session. Thank you Representative Halvorson for your compassion, integrity and dedication for ensuring children, youth and families have equitable access to mental health resources within our schools.