2021 Focus on Advocacy – February 1 Report
Legislature likely to act this week on $2.2 billion relief package Prepared by Marie Sullivan, WSPTA Legislative Consultant, legconsultant@wastatepta.org Last week’s report covered the unveiling of the Democrats’ COVID-relief package, which is broken into several large “buckets,” including $688 million for K-12 public schools. HB 1368 had a public hearing on January 26 and passed…
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Advocacy
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Legislative
2021 Focus on Advocacy – January 25 Report
Democrats unveil $2.2 billion relief package Prepared by Marie Sullivan, WSPTA Legislative Consultant, legconsultant@wastatepta.org Friday afternoon, Democratic state legislators announced a $2.2 billion package for COVID-relief, including $688 million for K-12 public schools. Lawmakers use the majority of the second round of federal funding ($1.8 billion) to plug holes in the economy and respond to…
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Advocacy
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Legislative
Information regarding ESSB 5395 – Comprehensive Sexual Health Education Bill
Prepared by Marie Sullivan, WSPTA Legislative Consultant Parents who are wondering about ESSB 5395, the comprehensive sexual health education bill, may find the following bill information or this bill report helpful. As always, I encourage people to “read the bill.” Here some things to keep in mind: Timing & Curriculum If your district doesn’t currently…
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Advocacy
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Legislative
Call to Action: Equity in the Identifying of Highly Capable Students
Dear Washington State PTA member, Highly Capable programs across the state do not currently reflect the demographic makeup of the communities in which they reside. Children in poverty and from minority groups are 2.5 less likely to be identified for, and in, highly capable programs. We are asking you to contact your legislators with the…
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Advocacy
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Legislative
WSPTA Board Position Statement – Sexual Health Education
The WSPTA board of directors adopted a legislative position at their winter board meeting concerning equitable access to consistent and comprehensive sexual health education across our state. Current legislation on this topic is pending in Olympia and the parent voice will be important as local implementation phases in. Local PTAs and councils are encouraged to…
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Advocacy
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Legislative
Legislative Session Preview Webinar
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/legislative-session-preview-tickets-86013945025 Get the 2020 legislative session in focus with a webinar hosted by Washington State PTA’s legislative consultant Marie Sullivan on Wednesday, January 8th from 7 PM to 8 PM. This pre-session webinar will take a brief look back at successes in 2019 and then look forward at WSPTA’s legislative priorities for 2020, opportunities for…
Washington State PTA Statement on Governor Jay Inslee’s 2019-21 Budget Proposals
Photo credit (Ted S. Warren / The Associated Press) “Washington State PTA (WSPTA) is very pleased with the direction of the Governor’s proposed two-year budget,” said Michelle Nims, president. “At the top of our priorities is increasing the staffing for student well-being, including additional nurses, social workers, behavioral health specialists, psychologists, and counselors. This budget starts with…
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Legislative