Last fall, WSPTA members voted into the Top 5 a position in support of closing the digital divide, creating affordable and accessible connectivity, and making sure students had access to developmentally appropriate devices. Advocate Heidi Bennett urged members of the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee to adopt E2SHB 1365 as a good first…

Vancouver parent Heather Lindberg testified in support of SHB 1208, LAP funding flexibility, before the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee on March 12. Lindberg asked the committee to pass the bill and move it quickly to the Governor’s desk to create predictability and stability for school districts that are starting budget preparations for…

Last fall, members adopted a position to close the digital divide, improve affordable connectivity, and provide developmentally appropriate devices to students. Nancy Chamberlain shared the overall goal with the Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee here, while Tori Emerson shared a more localized story with committee members, heard here. The bill they were testifying on…

Speaking in favor of 2SSB 5327, establishing a confidential youth tip line, Tanya Aggar shared some heartbreaking stories about youth suicides from the past week with the House Children, Youth and Families Committee. “Youth suicide is preventable, and the goal is zero. No more deaths,” said Aggar. Her testimony can be found here.

Speaking on behalf of Washington State PTA, parent advocate Natalya Yudkovsky asked the Senate education committee to pass SHB 1302 from committee. The bill would extend the opportunity for 9th graders to earn college credit when taking College in the High School courses. Also, at the request of WSPTA, bill sponsor Rep. April Berg, D-Everett,…

When the House Appropriations Committee heard testimony on HB 1139, taking action to address lead in water, Washington State PTA was there in full support. Hear Susan Baird-Joshi ask lawmakers to pass the bill and ensure districts have sufficient funding to complete any needed remediation. “Our children matter, and their health matters. Please pass this…

Continuing to speak in favor of bills that would expand broadband infrastructure across the state, Nancy Chamberlain asked House Capital Budget committee members for an amendment to ensure projects tapping public funds consult with school districts as part of their overall expansion plan. Listen here.  

Speaking in favor of SSB 5327, WSPTA member Tanya Aggar told Senate Ways & Means Committee members that stopping the silence could save lives. The Senate bill would create an anonymous youth tip line for reporting concern for self-harm or harm to others. Hear Tanya’s testimony here.