Legislative LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY: Creating Change with the Power of PTACherry Crest Elementary PTSA 2.3.25 Region 2 Over 150 PTA delegates from across the state came together virtually to update the advocacy platform for Washington State PTA. See below for details. Current WSPTA Advocacy PlatformWashington State PTA will advocate in favor of legislation supporting these priorities during the upcoming state legislative session in Olympia. WSPTA’s advocacy work is directed by member-approved issues, resolutions and principles. Full details for the new or amended issues and resolutions below (green text) will be available on the WSPTA website soon. Top 5 Legislative Priorities for 2022-2024:Addressing the Student Mental Health CrisisAddressing Critical Gaps in Educational Funding*AMENDED* Preventing and Reducing Gun Violence and SuicideAddressing Funding, Inclusion and Supports in Special EducationBuilding and Maintaining Safer School FacilitiesWSPTA also supported Issues:*NEW* Multi and Heritage Language Education for AllCreating a Diverse and Effective Educator WorkforceExpanding School Construction Funding OptionsHarnessing the Benefits of Mastery-based LearningImproving Equitable Identification and Access for Highly Capable StudentsIncreasing Education Equity by Closing the Digital DivideIncreasing Support for Equitable Family EngagementMitigating the Adverse Impacts of Climate ChangeSupporting a Meaningful High School DiplomaAdopted Resolutions:*NEW* Supporting a Diverse and Effective Education Workforce*NEW* High-Quality Preschool to Third Grade Early Learning*NEW* K-12 Education Funding*NEW* Traumatic Brain Injuries Amended Resolutions:1.8 Substance Use Disorder Education and Prevention11.31 Social Emotional Learning and Student Success Definition of Issues, Principles and Resolutions according to the WSPTA website: “The top five issues become our short-term platform and consist of our priority issues when advocating throughout the year. Other issues are placed on an “also supported” list.”“The WSPTA Legislative Principles consist of five overarching categories: budget, revenue, and funding; family and community engagement; public education policies; health and well-being of children and youth; and safe and nurturing environments for children and youth. Long term legislative principles fill the gaps in the short-term issue platform when an emerging issue arises for members to advocate on behalf of children.”“Resolutions guide our advocacy work from the local to the state level. They may be amended and updated, or retired, and are usually broader in scope than legislative issues.” Join the PTSATogether we are a powerful voice for children! Any parent/guardian, teacher, student or community member can join. Join PTSA How to Get InvolvedSubscribe to state PTA Action Alerts: Receive e-mail alerts when your action can directly impact a specific issue. Read the state PTA blog: Weekly posts about active, high-priority bills and what PTA is doing each week in Olympia. Find your Legislators Submit your ideas:PTA members can submit proposals for WSPTA issues, principles and resolutions. Learn how on the WSPTA Take Action page. ResourcesWSPTA HomeWSPTA AdvocacyNational PTA Advocacy ToolkitAdvocacy in Action: The 2023 state legislative session ended on Sunday, April 23. View the session summary of bills affecting education here. Questions?Contact legislativerep@cherrycrest-ptsa.org
