Washington State PTA Opposes Initiative 2109
Washington State PTA, founded in 1905, is the oldest and largest volunteer child advocacy association in the state with a longstanding history of support for the health, safety, well-being, and education of children and youth. Washington State PTA has been advocating to amply fund public education since at least 1982. Washinton State PTA opposes Initiative…
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Advocacy
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Legislative
FAQs on Opposing Initiatives 2109 and 2117
The WSPTA Board of Directors voted at its June meeting to oppose Initiatives 2109 and 2117, based on positions previously adopted by its members. Below are some FAQs to help PTA leaders and members understand the rules for taking positions on ballot measures and the member-adopted positions which served as the foundation for formally opposing…
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Advocacy
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Legislative
Notes from the Capitol: Here’s what WSPTA asked our U.S. representatives
WSPTA advocates Heather Gillette, Angela Steck, Nigar Suleman, and Danica Noble meet Senator Patty Murray’s aide Abby Laver. By Nigar Suleman, Federal Legislative Committee Note: This is part 2 of 2 blog posts covering WSPTA’s experience at the 2024 National PTA Legislative Conference. You can read part 1 here. On the morning of March 6,…
WSPTA Delegation Makes an Impact at the 2024 National PTA Legislative Conference
By Nigar Suleman, Federal Legislative Committee Note: This is part 1 of 2 blog posts covering WSPTA’s experience at the 2024 National PTA Legislative Conference. Washington State PTA was well represented at this year’s Legislative Conference (LegCon) and Hill Day hosted by National PTA in Washington D.C. from March 5 to March 7. Our delegation…
Ask WSPTA: Advocacy vs. Lobbying
What’s the difference between advocacy and lobbying? Advocacy is the act of speaking for, in support of, or to plead a cause on behalf of others. For example, PTAs advocate when they inform members or decision-makers on a topic of concern. Lobbying is attempting to influence a specific decision. For example, an activity is lobbying when it involves asking…
WSPTA Testifies: Parental Rights and Public Education
Advocacy in Action! WSPTA President Angela Steck shared comments on Initiative 2081, concerning parental rights relating to public school education, at the joint meeting of the House Education and Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education committees on Wednesday, February 28. Angela noted that WSPTA had a long history of supporting the health, safety, and welfare…
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Advocacy
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Legislative
2024 Legislative Session Recap
Join WSPTA Legislative Consultant Marie Sullivan for a review of the 2024 Legislative Session. Registration is required through the link below. Unable to attend? This session will be recorded and shared via the WSPTA Advocacy Page after the event.
WSPTA Testifies: Save the School Construction Assistance Program
Advocacy in Action! WSPTA Advocacy member Susan Baird-Joshi thanked House Capital Budget members for the $55 million investment for indoor air quality, the continued support for the Small District Modernization and Tribal Compact grant program, and the incremental increases to activities that support urgent and emergency repair. Watch Susan here Sharing the WSPTA’s disappointment with…
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Advocacy
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Legislative
WSPTA Testifies: Dual and Tribal Language Education
Advocacy in Action! In a bill-packed day, WSPTA Advocacy member Danica Noble testified in favor of 3SHB 1228, building a multilingual, multiliterate Washington through dual and tribal language education. Danica shared her students’ experiences with a dual language program and encouraged the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee to pass the bill so that…
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Advocacy
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Legislative
WSPTA Testifies: Urging Further Education Investments
Advocacy in Action! WSPTA President Angela Steck testified during the Senate Ways & Means meeting on Monday, February 19 on the proposed 2024 supplemental operating budget, SSB 5950. While the Senate proposal supports a small increase in special education, additional transportation funding for McKinney Vento students, and an increase in ratios for paraeducators, Angela expressed…
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Advocacy
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Legislative