40th Annual WSPTA Legislative Assembly Wrap-Up
Delegates from across Washington state gathered to adopt a brand-new two-year legislative platform and several new permanent advocacy positions, be inspired, receive advocacy training, and network with other passionate PTA members during the 40th annual WSPTA Legislative Assembly, October 20-21, at Green River College. Some highlights of the Assembly included a keynote address by the…
Joint Select Committee on Article IX Litigation
In a short session today, the Joint Select Committee on Article IX Litigation unanimously approved a report to the Supreme Court describing the 2018 session’s accomplishments towards meeting the McCleary lawsuit. Two major elements of the 16-page report include expediting educator salaries to the 2018-19 school year and establishing a $105 million “penalty account,” which…
Local Public K-12 Education Investments – OSPI Tool
On March 30th, Superintendent Chris Reykdal sent every legislator a handout with information about the public schools within their legislative district. You can find all of those handouts on the OSPI website – use the drop-down box on the top left-hand side to choose a legislative district.
Education Funding Changes Signed into Law
On Tuesday, March 27, Governor Inslee signed E2SSB 6362, the “fixes” to last session’s EHB 2242 on education funding. For a summary of the changes, see our Week 9 recap. Details on the effects on funding statewide and for each school district can be found by downloading the “Updated Multi-Year Budget Comparison Tool” from the OSPI…
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Advocacy
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Legislative
National PTA Legislative Conference Recap
The 1.1 million students of Washington state were represented by WSPTA leaders in Washington, D.C. March 13-15, during the annual National PTA Legislative Conference. The WSPTA delegation was WSPTA President Michelle Nims, WSPTA Legislative Director Nancy Chamberlain, National PTA Board member and WSPTA past-President Heather Gillette, National PTA- and WSPTA- past-President Laura Bay, and Seattle…
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Advocacy
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Legislative
Legislative Session – Week 9 Recap
After a very busy 60 days, the Washington State Legislature adjourned Sine Die moments after 10 PM March 8. This was only the second time in the past 10 years that the Legislature has adjourned on time. The 2017 session went into multiple overtimes, clocking in at an unprecedented 193 days. With 2018 elections just…
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Advocacy
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Legislative
WSPTA Bill Status Report – End of Week 9
Keep up with the bills and committee hearings related to WSPTA member-generated Legislative Priorities and long-term positions – see the attached report for our Bill Tracker for the End of Week 9.
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Advocacy
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Legislative
Newly signed HB 1508 creates a Breakfast after the Bell program for high poverty schools.
HB1508, Breakfast after the Bell, was signed by Governor Jay Inslee on March 7 at 1:30 pm in the Governor’s conference room. In attendance were bill sponsors, advocates and students. The bill was one of WSPTA’s top 5 list for 2017 and 2018 legislative priorities. Governor Jay Inslee took time to chat with the daughters…
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Advocacy
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Legislative
WSPTA Bill Status Report – End of Week 7
Keep up with the bills and committee hearings related to WSPTA member-generated Legislative Priorities and long-term positions – see the attached report for our Bill Tracker for the End of Week 7.
Category:
Advocacy
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Legislative
Legislative Session – Week 7 Recap
The week of February 19 was one of the busiest of this 60-day session, with the House and Senate releasing their supplemental spending plans for the operating, capital and transportation budgets. Keeping the pedal to the metal, the Senate Ways & Means voted the operating and capital budgets out of committee, while the Appropriations Committee…
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Advocacy
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Legislative