Learn about our legislative priorities and other supported issues and find out more ways to get involved. Our advocacy work is directed and powered by our members.
3 Easy Ways You Can Make a Difference:
- Become a PTA Member: by becoming a PTA member at your school, you add to the impact the PTA is already making on your behalf. Our WA State PTA team is already advocating in Olympia and will continue this work throughout the session. Your membership increases our numbers, which adds more weight to our advocacy efforts in the eyes of our legislators. Visit your school’s PTA website and join!
- Contact Your STATE Legislators as a PTA Member and Share Our WA State PTA Legislative Platform: by adding your voice to those PTA members already working on your behalf, you raise the volume of our requests and help make sure our legislators know these issues are truly a priority for ALL of us.
- Contact Your STATE Legislators as a Parent and Community Member to Share Your Own, Personal Concerns, Stories, and Opinions: while as PTA members we legally must share the official PTA stances and Platform, as individual constituents we always have the right to speak our own opinions and add weight to the grassroots interest in these important topics.
Washington Legislative Priorities 2019-2020
The Washington State PTA legislative platform is a two-year platform to mirror the Washington state legislative cycle. On the even-numbered years, the new platform is voted on by members at the legislative assembly in the fall. 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. During the odd-numbered years, members vote to amend current issues or to add new, emerging issues to the also supported list.
- Top 5 Legislative Priorities for 2019
- Social Emotional Learning
- School Construction and Simple Majority for Bonds
- Prevent Gun Violence
- Strategies to Address the Teacher Shortage
- Strategic K-12 Investments to Close Gaps
- 2019 WSPTA Supported Issues
- Best Practices for School Meals – Lunch
- Best Practices for School Recess
- Engaging Families in Student Success
- Fund Paraeducator Training
- Increase Access to High-Quality Preschool
- Raise the Age of Tobacco and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems to 21
- Safe School Plans and Emergency Preparedness
For more information visit the WA State PTA Advocacy site or email LWPTSA Council’s Advocacy VP at advocacy@lwptsa.net
- Join the WSPTA Action Network Group – Sign up to receive timely information and action alerts during the Washington State Legislative sessions.
- WSPTA Legislative Assembly – Attend this annual fall event to learn about the issues, how you can take action and network with other PTA leaders.
- Find State Legislators – Look up your Washington State Legislators and share what is important to you.