Advocacy
WSPTA’s advocacy work is directed by our member-adopted resolutions, principles, and legislative priorities.
During the Washington state legislative session, WSPTA will send information and action alerts to WSPTA members who have subscribed to WSPTA’s Action Alerts. Action alerts are quick, easy ways to communicate with your legislators on bills related to PTA’s positions.
To learn more about WSPTA’s effectiveness in advocating, end of session reports and other resources are located on the Advocacy & Legislative Resources page. Links to WSPTA’s letters to policymakers and a list of organizations, coalitions, committees, and workgroups where WSPTA is represented can be found on the Advocacy in Action page. Learn more about our advocacy on PTA positions nationally on the Federal Legislation page.
Legislative Priorities
The WSPTA 2025-2026 Legislative Priorities are a two-year platform to mirror the Washington state legislative cycle. In October of even-numbered years, all new legislative issues are adopted by delegates at the legislative assembly. Delegates also vote on their top five issues, which become WSPTA’s primary focus when advocating throughout the next two years. The other issues are placed on an “also supported” list.
During the odd-numbered years, delegates vote to amend current issues or to add new, emerging issues to the also supported list. Each issue has a corresponding handout located in the dropdown that can be downloaded and used when advocating.
WSPTA’s advocacy during the 2024 legislative session was very successful. For an overview, review our legislative consultant Marie Sullivan’s post-session debrief. For a more detailed report, check out the 2024 Legislative Scorecard. The scorecard includes the major policy bills and budget related to adopted legislative priorities and resolutions. You can also read all about the testimony PTA members delivered during the 2024 legislative session on the WSPTA Blog.
Top 5 Legislative Priorities for 2025-2026
Closing the Funding Gaps
Washington State PTA shall advocate for legislation, policies, and budgets that ensure the financial stability of all school districts, by prioritizing K-12 education in the state’s operating budget, and by closing existing gaps in basic education funding for MSOC (Materials, Supplies and Operating Costs), special education services, and student transportation, so that state funding reflects and keeps pace with actual costs.
Addressing the Student Mental Health Crisis
Washington State PTA shall support legislation or policies that ensure all students have access to the behavioral and mental health resources and preventative measures they need to thrive, including funding for:
- Reduced ratios of students to mental health professionals
- Programs and incentives to recruit, train, and retain mental health professionals
- Resources to assist families
- Training and support for educators and administrators
Addressing Funding, Inclusion, and Supports in Special Education
Washington State PTA shall advocate for legislation or policies that:
- Fully fund special education services including eliminating the cap
- Simplify the safety net reimbursement process
- Address the statewide special education staffing shortage
- Implement inclusionary practices while continuing specially designed instruction and accommodations when beneficial
- Address disproportional identification, referrals, and discipline
- Provide training in best practices for student and classroom support
- Ban isolation and reduce restraint of all students
Addressing Funding, Inclusion, And Supports In Special Education – Summary
Preventing and Reducing Gun Violence and Suicide
Washington State PTA shall advocate for legislation or policies that prevent and reduce gun violence and suicide including:
- Fund school-based mental health services
- Require permits for firearm purchases
- Incentivize safe storage of firearms and medications
- Restrict bulk weapons purchases
- Prohibit firearms in sensitive places including parks and public buildings
- Fund community-based prevention and intervention programs
Expanding School Construction Funding Options
Washington State PTA shall advocate for legislation or policies that:
- Increase overall state funding and funding options for school construction projects and improvements
- Provide equitable funding options so all school districts across the state can complete capital projects and improvements
- Lower the 60 percent super-majority to pass bonds to no more than 55 percent with a strong preference for a simple majority of 50 percent
2025-2026 Also WSPTA Supported Issues
Increasing Education Equity by Closing the Digital Divide
Washington State PTA shall support legislation, policies, and funding that ensure equitable digital inclusion and access for all students, families, and staff by implementation of a statewide digital equity plan, including adoption of best practices and strategies for use of technology to improve student education and behavioral health outcomes.
Increasing Education Equity By Closing The Digital Divide – Summary
Mitigating the Adverse Impacts of Climate Change
Washington State PTA shall advocate for legislation or policies that equitably provide funding, resources, and technical assistance to schools to:
- Reduce greenhouse gas pollution and waste
- Improve indoor air quality and resilience to climate impacts
- Meet WA Clean Buildings Performance Standards requirements
- Access local, state, and federal funding opportunities
- Educate, enable, and equip students to participate in solutions
For more information, email the WSPTA Advocacy Director.