Landmark Bill Signed by Governor

• By: CASC
• On: 08/25/2022 00:57:34
• In: CASC Blogs

Last Thursday, in an historic signing ceremony in Fresno California, Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law Assembly Bill 2508 (Quirk-Silva), a landmark bill sponsored by CASC. This bill amends several sections of California Education Code 49600, to accurately reflect the role and responsibilities of school counselors, especially in addressing student mental health. The passing of AB 2508 is significant because it revises outdated language and terms that are over fifty-years old.

Dr. Loretta Whitson, in a recent statement to the press exclaimed "I am so proud of the work that CASC is doing to make a difference for school counselors and for the benefit of California's children and youth.” Whitson credits Lee Angela Reid, CASC lobbyist, along with Dr. Caroline Perry, CASC board director, and Josh Godinez, outgoing CASC chair, who were active in their advocacy efforts and for their work in the development of bill language. She also acknowledges Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva who advocated relentlessly to author this all-important legislation. The Chair of CASC Board of Directors, Lezya Weglarz noted that, “Assemblymember Quirk-Silva is a former schoolteacher. She continuously demonstrates support for California children and youth and recognizes the important role school counselors play in addressing the growing mental health concerns in the aftermath of COVID-19.”