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2020-2022 Legislative Platform

March 15, 2021

WSPTA Supports school-based health centers

Heidi Zamora had her testimony ready to go when SHB 1225 was heard in the House policy committee but, unfortunately, the committee ran out of time for all the speakers. She had a chance to dust it off and speak in favor of the Legislature adopting this bill, which would create a grant program to…
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Category: Advocacy , Legislative

March 15, 2021

Closing the digital divide, one device at a time

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…
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Category: Advocacy , Legislative

March 15, 2021

WSPTA speaks out on lead in drinking water

After passing the House by a 94-4 margin, the Senate education committee heard public testimony on E2SHB 1139, taking action on lead in drinking water. Speaking for Washington State PTA was Gwen Loosmore, who urged committee members to protect student health, ensure sufficient funding for school districts, and pass the bill. Listen here.
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Category: Advocacy , Legislative

March 15, 2021

WSPTA supports funding flexibility

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…
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Category: Advocacy , Legislative

March 15, 2021

2021 Focus on Advocacy – March 15 Report

Governor orders more in-person learning this school year Prepared by Marie Sullivan, WSPTA Legislative Consultant, legconsultant@wastatepta.org Perhaps the most interesting thing that happened this past week was Governor Jay Inslee’s announcement Friday, March 12, that through an emergency proclamation to be issued this coming week, all schools in Washington must offer the opportunity for in-person…
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Category: Advocacy , Legislative

March 11, 2021

Supporting digital equity remains WSPTA priority

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…
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Category: Advocacy , Legislative

March 11, 2021

WSPTA advocates for suicide prevention

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.
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Category: Advocacy , Legislative

March 10, 2021

WSPTA supports college credit bill

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,…
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Category: Advocacy , Legislative


March 8, 2021

2021 Focus on Advocacy – March 8 Report

Legislature passes half-way mark Prepared by Marie Sullivan, WSPTA Legislative Consultant, legconsultant@wastatepta.org With an eye towards the March 9 deadline for bills to be passed out of the chamber in which they started, legislators spent the past week meeting in caucuses and conducting floor action. Both the House and Senate met on Saturday; the House…
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Category: Advocacy , Legislative