Call to Action – Focus on Preserving Funding
Dear Washington State PTA member, Right now, we need your voice more than ever as our Washington state legislature grapples with funding choices. We still have not returned back to school the way it was prior to the pandemic, and we need you to speak up. Legislators often comment that they don’t hear enough from…
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Advocacy
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Legislative
Call to Action – Focus on Mental Health
Dear Washington State PTA member, Insufficient funding for mental health and social emotional learning staff in our schools is an urgent need across our state. For the emotional health of our students, we need decision makers to support legislation that: Increases the state funding model for staffing school mental health professionals. Utilizes innovative funding solutions…
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Advocacy
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Legislative
WSPTA Speaks in favor of Simple Majority for Bonds
Speaking in favor of WSPTA’s long-standing position in support of simple majority for bonds, Melissa Stone urged legislators to pass HB 1226 and HJR 4200 to build a foundation that supports student success. The bills were being heard in the House Education Committee and are scheduled for executive action Friday, January 21.
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Advocacy
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Legislative
Call to Action – Focus on Equity
Dear Washington State PTA member, Washington State PTA believes that great educational outcomes are possible for all students, but unfortunately, some students continue to experience barriers and inequities preventing them from reaching their potential in our state: As of 2020, 68% of districts (urban and rural) report that some students have no access to broadband…
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Advocacy
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Legislative
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
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…
Category:
Advocacy
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Legislative