LEGISLATORS
LAKE STEVENS (44TH DISTRICT)
In This Section
PTA is not only about fun-runs and bake-sales. PTA is the oldest and largest volunteer child advocacy association in the United States. Founded in 1897, PTA has a long, successful history of influencing federal policy to promote the education, health and well-being of all children—resulting in kindergarten classes, child labor laws, school lunch programs, a juvenile justice system, and strengthened parent-teacher relationships.
What is Advocacy?
In the context of PTA, advocacy is supporting and speaking up for children—in schools, in communities, and before government bodies and other organizations that make decisions affecting children. To learn more about PTA’s advocacy history, resources and ideas for activism, read Advocate With PTA (PDF).
We encourage everyone to learn about our legislative priorities below and find out more ways to get involved, by visiting PTA Takes Action. Washington lawmakers make important decisions that affect the health, welfare, safety, and educational opportunities for every child across the state.
Legislative Platform
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 – Learn more (PDF)
-
School Construction and Simple Majority for Bonds – Learn more (PDF)
-
Prevent Gun Violence – Learn more (PDF)
-
Strategies to Address the Teacher Shortage – Learn more (PDF)
-
Strategic K-12 Investments to Close Gaps – Learn more (PDF)
2019 WSPTA Supported Issues
-
Best Practices for School Meals (Lunch) – Learn more (PDF)
-
Best Practices for School Recess – Learn more (PDF)
-
Engaging Families in Student Success – Learn more (PDF)
-
Fund Paraeducator Training – Learn more (PDF)
-
Increase Access to High-Quality Preschool – Learn more (PDF)
-
Raise the Age of Tobacco and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems to 21 – Learn more (PDF)
-
Safe School Plans and Emergency Preparedness – Learn more (PDF)