WSPTA Testifies in Favor of SB 5217
On Monday, Martin Luther King Jr., Day, it was fitting for Dr. Gwen Loosmore to testify in favor of SB 5217, urging legislators to adopt a common sense approach to reduce and prevent gun violence. The issue remains one of WSPTA’s top legislative priorities this session.
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Advocacy
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Legislative
Call to Action – Focus on Dismantling Racism
Dear Washington State PTA Member, On this day when we honor the work and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., WSPTA recognizes that racism is not new and has harmed communities of color for centuries. In October 2021, our membership overwhelmingly voted to not only take a stand against institutional racism, but to take…
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Advocacy
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Legislative
2022 Focus on Advocacy – January 17 Report
And … they’re off! Prepared by Marie Sullivan, WSPTA Legislative Consultant, legconsultant@wastatepta.org As expected, legislators “virtually” convened on January 10 for the start of what is shaping up to be a fast and flush short session. While some lawmakers made the trek to Olympia, committee hearings are being conducted virtually, and floor action is limited…
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Advocacy
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Legislative
Tip of the Week – January 13
Mid-Year Financial Reviews: The time is now to start planning An annual financial review is required by WSPTA Uniform Bylaws but conducting a mid-year review may be required by your local PTA standing rules. Even if it isn’t, a mid-year review covering July – December is still a good idea. It can provide early feedback for the treasurer, expose any potential problems, and…
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Leadership
Take Action Now – Just 90 Seconds to Help Pass Simple Majority for Bonds
Deadline: January 18, 7:00 am Washington state requires a super-majority of 60% to pass school bonds, one of only 11 states that requires more than 50% of the vote. This extra requirement has cost school districts billions of dollars in funds and puts our students’ safety at risk from buildings that are overcrowded, unsafe due…
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Advocacy
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Legislative
January 2022 – Executive Director Message
Dear Members, Anyone reading this knows that one of our primary jobs at the Washington State PTA is to support the volunteer leaders of local and council PTAs across the state. We are here to provide training, resources, and direct support to make your job as a PTA leader easier. However, our work is very…
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Leadership
2022 Focus on Advocacy – January 10 Report
2022 Session Starts under Virtual Protocols Prepared by Marie Sullivan, WSPTA Legislative Consultant, legconsultant@wastatepta.org Get your computers out, turn your light filters on, and update your virtual platform subscriptions. For the second year in a row, the Legislature will begin a formal regular session using protocols that allow only a few legislators to be on…
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Advocacy
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Legislative
Tip of the Week – January 6
Reporting Payments to Independent Contractors If your PTA paid an independent contractor at least $600 in calendar year 2021, you must send to them and to the IRS form 1099-NEC, Nonemployee Compensation (NOT form 1099-MISC), postmarked by January 31, 2022. The IRS requires a paper copy of form 1099-NEC, accompanied by form 1096. These forms…
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Leadership
Council Spotlight – January 2022
Thank you to Seattle Council PTSA 6.15 for sharing the lessons learned as a new membership chair. Keep reading to learn some of the tips that can help your council and local PTAs be successful. I am so lucky to be on a council with so many knowledgeable people who work tirelessly to serve our…
Category:
Leadership
Tip of the Week – December 16
Secretary of State Announcement In 2021, the state legislature passed new laws for nonprofit corporations. The new laws go into effect January 1, 2022, and will change nonprofit corporation documents to meet the new requirements under RCW 24.03A. These changes will affect local PTAs and councils. In preparation for these changes, the Secretary of State…
Category:
Leadership