Developing a strong advocacy team involves you! Every local PTA unit and school district has its own issues that affect the safety, health and welfare of ALL children. Your involvement will impact legislation.
Current Information as of March 10, 2010: House Bills and Raise to the Top (RTTT) Funding:
*Bill 6696 would qualify us for RTTT funds of which we don't currently qualify. RTTT funding would be an impactful amount of money to assist in paying for education in this state. If Bill 6696 passed it would: Create changes in state law which would allow us eligibility for RTTT funds (ex. education accountability measures)
* HB2261 was the framework for changes needed to the currently education system. These changes would be made within an 8 year period, but still did not allow us to qualify for RTTT funds.
* HB2776 is the actual implementation (i.e. technical changes) that HB2261 framework had set, which would:
- Add new funding in 2011 and 2013
- Replace old funding formula
The House added HB 2276 to Bill 6696 and the Senate rejected it. Senate took out HB2776 and sent it back to the House.
What's Happening Now:
A conference committee has been developed and is creating an agreeable compromise in the next two days.
Washington State Court Case:
The courts had judged that the State has not fulfilled its' constitutional commitment in providing basic education. This judgement will become final on March 26th whereby the Governor and the State Attorney will appeal the decision due to the broad interpretation of that law. The court case will then go to Washington State Supreme court. The final decision won't be made for another 12-18 months.
Have you ever wondered how to recruit a Legislative Chair?
Here is how to Recruit a Legislative Chair:The position of Legislation Chair is an important one to fill, but often left for last to fill as we recruit board members. I know the right person for the job is in your community, just waiting to be asked.
- Quote from Lisa Bond, WSPTA President 2003
What skills do they need? (In order of importance)
1. Interested in educating the community on children’s issues
2. Ability to engage the listener in a discussion
3. Ability to write effective emails (short and concise)
(Note that knowledge of legislation is NOT listed…they can easily learn about legislation, the first three priorities are tougher to learn)
Who are they?
- A “retired” past PTA president
- A vocal parent at the school who needs to direct their passion in a positive direction
- A working parent who can’t be at school during the day but wants to be involved
- Someone who is active in politics in other areas of their life
- Someone who doesn’t know much about legislation but is willing to learn
- Someone who is new to the school who was a Legislative Chair at their last PTA
What is the job?
- Sign people up for action alert emails
- Speak at each of your PTA meetings (we will provide info to speak on)
- Place newsletter articles in newsletter (we will provide)
- Attend Legislative Assembly October 2nd and 3rd near SeaTac
- Attend Focus Day and bring members of your PTA to Focus Day (February)
- Attend Roundtable; an evening meeting with local legislators November 9
What support will they have?
- Legislation Handbook
- Several opportunities for training
- Regular updated information via email
- Action alert emails all ready to go to send to your email distribution lists. Email alerts will come from both the state and the District Leg Chair
- Council Legislative Chair Rebecca Russell and former Chair Liz Piekarczyk are available to help and answer questions.
Your Elected Representatives
Governor Christine Gregoire (D)
The Snoqualmie Valley School District is represented by the 5th and 45th Legislative Districts and in the 8th US Congressional District. Your legislators are:
US Senate and Congress
Senator Maria Cantwell (D) Senator Patty Murray (D) Rep. Dave Reichert (R)
Washington State Legislature
Snoqualmie Valley School District Board of Directors:
District 1: District 2: District 3: District 4 District 5
Rudy Edwards Caroline Loudenback Craig Husa Marci Busby Dan Popp
Other Legislative Connections:
Be on the front line of Child Advocacy...
Join one or more electronic opportunities to connect with decision makers and PTA colleagues.
-Use WSPTA’s Legislative Action Center to send a message directly to your legislators:
- Action Alert
- Grass Roots Connection
- Legislative "Talk"
- Washington State PTA Legislative Link