Legislature Adjourns, Budgets/Education Unfinished
After a week of mundane business, punctuated with bill signings in the Governor’s office, the 2017 105-day session adjourned “sine die” Sunday around 11 a.m. Governor Jay Inslee is expected to officially call for a special session Monday. At a press conference April 21st, the Democratic governor expressed frustration that the Senate Republicans and House…
Clock Ticks Down on 2017 Regular Legislative Session
With one week left in the 105-day 2017 regular legislative session, which ends April 23rd, operating budget negotiators have made no progress towards a final budget deal. This mean, yes, a “not so special, special session.” Neither chamber has the requisite 50 or 25 votes needed to pass a budget that also has the revenue…
Push For Action To Help Children in Washington
The advocacy work of Washington State PTA is directed by our member-approved resolutions , principles, and legislative platform. Legislative Platform The Washington State PTA legislative platform is a two-year platform to mirror the Washington state legislative cycle. On the even-numbered years, the new platform is voted on by members at the legislative assembly in the fall.…
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Workgroups Reconvening
Washington state is making progress on an accountability plan for the success of all students OLYMPIA — APRIL 12, 2017 — Three workgroups – two that are reconvening and one that is new – are playing a key role in writing and developing Washington state’s education plan to the federal government. On Jan. 10, Superintendent Chris Reykdal…
Breakfast after Bill Passes Major Hurdle
April 4 – Olympia – HB 1508, the Breakfast after the Bell bill, had a public hearing April 3, then passed out of the Senate Ways & Means Committee 20-3. This topic is on the WSPTA’s Top 5 list, and has been on the platform for at least the past three sessions. Advocates tirelessly worked to…
House Ups Ante with $44.9B Spending Plan, Senate Capital Budget Passed
This was a busy week, with a big policy cutoff on March 29. In addition, House Democrats announced their “Families First” budget March 27, increasing policy level spending to a net of $3.2 billion. The two-year spending plan is balanced on $3 billion in new revenues from a combination of sources, $206 million in assumed…
Double Parent Testimony for Family Engagement and Social Emotional Learning
Jessica Garcia testifies in support of SHB 1618: Engagement Coordinators Bellevue parent, Jessica Garcia, reprised her testimony in support of the family and community engagement bill, SHB 1618, March 30, but this time with the Senate budget committee. Jessica shared the difference a person equivalent to the FACE coordinator defined in the bill helped the…
Breakfast After the Bell – Action Needed Today! *URGENT*
One of Washington State PTA’s top priorities is passing “Breakfast after the Bell” legislation this session. The bill would require schools with at least 70% poverty to offer breakfast to all students after the bell rings. You know that hungry children can’t learn – this bill will go a long way to helping students focus…
Northshore WSPTA Volunteer Testifies on 2017-19 Biennium Budget
Nancy Chamberlain testifying on sufficient, sustainable, and equitable education funding. OLYMPIA – March 27 – WSPTA volunteer and mother of two, Dr. Nancy Chamberlain, testified in front of the House Appropriations Committee on HB 1067, which focuses on the 2017-19 fiscal biennium operating appropriations. She explained the mission of Washington State PTA and the vision of…
WSPTA Board Member Testifies for Social Emotional Learning
WSPTA Area D Vice President, Amanda Shipman testifies in favor of a SHB 1377 supporting social emotional learning. OLYMPIA – March 27 – Yakima parent and WSPTA Area D Vice President, Amanda Shipman, testified in favor of SHB 1377; a bill designed to support student social emotional learning and collaboration among school psychologists, social workers,…