Social work student stipends approved

Lawmakers gave final approval May 21 to a bill that establishes a stipend program for students who commit to work in the state’s child welfare system.

LB199, introduced by Omaha Sen. Sara Howard, authorizes use of Title IV-E funds to pay for social work student stipends. The state Department of Health and Human Services will develop an application process and determine stipend amounts for eligible students in collaboration with the governing boards of colleges and universities with social work programs.

The bill passed 45-0.