The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) was founded in 1897 as the National Congress of Mothers for the express purpose of bettering the lives of children. Since its inception, PTA at all levels, local, state, and national, has been advocating for improving the lives of children. PTA was instrumental in bringing hot lunches to schools, bringing about juvenile justice reforms, and ensuring access to public education for all children. Today's PTA is continuing to speak for the children by lobbying for consistent education standards, equity for all children, and child health issues. At the state level our PTA is active in lobbying the legislature to ensure that basic education is funded as well as many other issues that are of critical importance for our children. The WSPTA top priority issues (all voted onto the platform in 2010): 1. Improving basic education – this includes implementing and funding a new definition that emphasizes and supports college and career readiness and that improves the system of delivery (ESHB 2261, SHB 2776 and E2SSB 6696) 2. Math and science instruction 3. Phonological awareness screening and reading instruction 4. Changing layoff policies to include more than just seniority 5. Fund education first in the state budget process 6. New, research-based model for teacher compensation that emphasizes rewarding teacher effectiveness in improving student learning. Our supported issues are:
As a member of the PTA you are a powerful voice for all children and you can advocate for them in many ways. At the local level you can attend school board meetings, participate in district meetings about important issues such as district overcrowding and budget cuts, and consider supporting local levies. At the state level you can speak with your representatives in the legislature, participate in PTA Focus Day in Olympia (this year it will be February 20, 2012), and register to vote and vote in local elections. You can even advocate at the national level by speaking to members of Congress and participating in letter writing campaigns. (introduction to advocacy written by last year's Legislative Chair, Helen Meyers)
It is important you let our legislators know how you want them to address the issues facing our state. I have been told by legislators that the most powerful way to reach them is taking the time to write a brief, but thoughtful and detailed note. Writing a letter that is signed by people representing a broad base (business leaders, professionals, retired persons, etc.) increases its strength. This is the contact information for the 48th district (where Franklin is located) and the information on how to contact the legislators in other districts.
To contact our legislators in the 48th district:
Senator Rodney Tom Early Learning & K1-2 Education, Higher Education & Workforce Development. and the Senate Ways & Means Committees 360-786-7694
Representative Deb Eddy Judiciary, Rules, Technology, Energy & Communications, and Transportation Committees 360-786-7848
Representative Ross Hunter Chair of the House Ways & Means Committee To contact other legislators: Thank you, Rena Peterson 2011-2012 Legislative Vice President |
Legislation Updates 2011-2012
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