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March 2025 Update
Act Now: Attend town halls and demand legislators prioritize K-12 funding
Education Funding Crisis: Students across the state need your help!
To invest in our future, we must invest in education, yet districts across our state are struggling financially. Funding from our legislature has not kept up with the true costs of education.
Our students will continue to be impacted by the loss of staff, programs, and critical services in our schools. Six of Washington’s 295 districts are in binding conditions, with dozens more likely to declare financial hardship. The legislature must meet their constitutional duty to fully fund basic education and give Washington’s over 1 million students the educational opportunities they deserve.
While the session began with some promising bills, the House has stripped their bills to the point that they don’t even come close to closing the funding gaps and the Senate school operating costs bill offers just a fraction of what’s needed. The good news is that legislators still have an opportunity to continue to move and amend these bills and put back the funding they took away. To make that happen, we need to advocate.
We Must Act Now
Many legislators will be holding town halls over the next few weeks to check in with their constituents. Parents, school board representatives, teachers, students and community members must attend the town halls and demand that legislators prioritize K-12 education funding and restore bills’ funding levels to close gaps in special education, Materials, Supplies & Operating Costs, and student transportation.
Can Washington’s kids count on YOU to attend? (Yes YOU. No matter your legislative district, your voice matters!)
Advocacy is a numbers game, so let’s bring the numbers.
WSPTA is the largest volunteer nonprofit organization in the state; we have over 80,000 members and thousands more supporters of our school communities. We need to remind legislators that there is overwhelming support for funding basic education. We should be packing these town halls and underscore that we are watching and will hold them accountable.
For sample questions, how to find a town hall in your district, tips, and additional resources, read the full blog post here.
Town Hall Q&A Drop-in Sessions
Legislative advocacy can feel intimidating or confusing at times. We get that and want to support you. Advocacy Committee members are happy to help you prepare for your town hall and answer any questions you might have. We can also help you tailor your advocacy to your legislative district. Join us for two drop-in town hall Q&A drop-in sessions or contact [email protected].
Wednesday, March 12 from 5-6 pm: Register via Zoom
Friday, March 14 from noon-1 pm: Register via Zoom
Week 9: Spring ahead to the second half of the 2025 session
By Marie Sullivan, [email protected]
Last week, the Legislature crossed the half-way mark of the 105-day session, which means there is still a lot of time left on the calendar to advocate for priorities, share concerns, and educate legislators on key issues.
Wednesday, March 12, is the deadline for bills to pass out of the chamber in which they began. In other words, House bills must pass out of the House and Senate bills must pass out of the Senate. Bills that fail this deadline are typically dead for the session – the exceptions are bills labeled Necessary to Implement the Budget (i.e., NTIB), which are bills that produce “savings,” or result in new revenues that will help budget writers propose balanced budgets.
Beginning March 13 and continuing through April 2nd, policy and fiscal committees will take up bills that have passed the opposite chamber. Bills have been scheduled for public hearings on Thursday and Friday this week (see The Week Ahead).
Read the full blog post here.
Your voice matters! Subscribe to WSPTA action alerts.
Education Funding Crisis: Students across the state need your help!
To invest in our future, we must invest in education, yet districts across our state are struggling financially. Funding from our legislature has not kept up with the true costs of education.
Our students will continue to be impacted by the loss of staff, programs, and critical services in our schools. Six of Washington’s 295 districts are in binding conditions, with dozens more likely to declare financial hardship. The legislature must meet their constitutional duty to fully fund basic education and give Washington’s over 1 million students the educational opportunities they deserve.
While the session began with some promising bills, the House has stripped their bills to the point that they don’t even come close to closing the funding gaps and the Senate school operating costs bill offers just a fraction of what’s needed. The good news is that legislators still have an opportunity to continue to move and amend these bills and put back the funding they took away. To make that happen, we need to advocate.
We Must Act Now
Many legislators will be holding town halls over the next few weeks to check in with their constituents. Parents, school board representatives, teachers, students and community members must attend the town halls and demand that legislators prioritize K-12 education funding and restore bills’ funding levels to close gaps in special education, Materials, Supplies & Operating Costs, and student transportation.
Can Washington’s kids count on YOU to attend? (Yes YOU. No matter your legislative district, your voice matters!)
Advocacy is a numbers game, so let’s bring the numbers.
WSPTA is the largest volunteer nonprofit organization in the state; we have over 80,000 members and thousands more supporters of our school communities. We need to remind legislators that there is overwhelming support for funding basic education. We should be packing these town halls and underscore that we are watching and will hold them accountable.
For sample questions, how to find a town hall in your district, tips, and additional resources, read the full blog post here.
Town Hall Q&A Drop-in Sessions
Legislative advocacy can feel intimidating or confusing at times. We get that and want to support you. Advocacy Committee members are happy to help you prepare for your town hall and answer any questions you might have. We can also help you tailor your advocacy to your legislative district. Join us for two drop-in town hall Q&A drop-in sessions or contact [email protected].
Wednesday, March 12 from 5-6 pm: Register via Zoom
Friday, March 14 from noon-1 pm: Register via Zoom
Week 9: Spring ahead to the second half of the 2025 session
By Marie Sullivan, [email protected]
Last week, the Legislature crossed the half-way mark of the 105-day session, which means there is still a lot of time left on the calendar to advocate for priorities, share concerns, and educate legislators on key issues.
Wednesday, March 12, is the deadline for bills to pass out of the chamber in which they began. In other words, House bills must pass out of the House and Senate bills must pass out of the Senate. Bills that fail this deadline are typically dead for the session – the exceptions are bills labeled Necessary to Implement the Budget (i.e., NTIB), which are bills that produce “savings,” or result in new revenues that will help budget writers propose balanced budgets.
Beginning March 13 and continuing through April 2nd, policy and fiscal committees will take up bills that have passed the opposite chamber. Bills have been scheduled for public hearings on Thursday and Friday this week (see The Week Ahead).
Read the full blog post here.
Your voice matters! Subscribe to WSPTA action alerts.
February 2025 Update
Focus Week and Focus Day updates: This year, Focus Week was the Week of 2/10-2/15, and will be followed by Focus Day on Monday, 2/17. While WSPTA will have over 200 members attend focus day in Olympia - yay! - Focus week was just as big with numerous virtual meetings and daily action alerts.
- Everett PTSA council consists of 27 schools with its members representing over 5 different legislative districts.
- During Focus Week, Everett PTSA Council met with 12 of the 15 legislators (or their aides) to talk about advocacy and the bills that address the WSPTA top 5 priorities
- With all these meetings, I started with explaining the WSPTA legislative priorities and focusing on one or two each meeting
- A few bills that we talked about with the legislators that address the Top 5 priorities were:
- Are you planning to attend Focus Day in Olympia on Monday 2/17? If you have meetings planned with legislators, read WSPTA’s handy dandy talking points for the legislative priorities.
Take Action:
Missed out on being able to attend Focus day in person, but still want to be involved? You can contact our local legislators and send them a message by signing up for the "Action Alert" emails! Visit this website and send pre-templated emails about some of WSPTA priorities to our local legislators - currently there are 5 action alerts on the website. These emails make a difference! As a grassroots advocacy association, we can’t do it without you.
Your voice matters! Subscribe to WSPTA action alerts.
- Everett PTSA council consists of 27 schools with its members representing over 5 different legislative districts.
- During Focus Week, Everett PTSA Council met with 12 of the 15 legislators (or their aides) to talk about advocacy and the bills that address the WSPTA top 5 priorities
- With all these meetings, I started with explaining the WSPTA legislative priorities and focusing on one or two each meeting
- A few bills that we talked about with the legislators that address the Top 5 priorities were:
- HB 1338 - Concerning school operating costs - this bill is sponsored by LD44’s very own - Representative Berg
- HB 1310 and SB 5307 - concerning Special Education funding
- HB 1579 and SB 5187 - concerning student transportation
- HB 1032 and SB 5186 - concerning school district elections
- Are you planning to attend Focus Day in Olympia on Monday 2/17? If you have meetings planned with legislators, read WSPTA’s handy dandy talking points for the legislative priorities.
Take Action:
Missed out on being able to attend Focus day in person, but still want to be involved? You can contact our local legislators and send them a message by signing up for the "Action Alert" emails! Visit this website and send pre-templated emails about some of WSPTA priorities to our local legislators - currently there are 5 action alerts on the website. These emails make a difference! As a grassroots advocacy association, we can’t do it without you.
Your voice matters! Subscribe to WSPTA action alerts.
January 2025 Update
Four Ways to Engage in WSPTA Advocacy
1. Attend Focus Day on February 17, 2025, in Olympia
2. Participate in Focus on Advocacy Week February 10-14, 2025
3. Share WSPTA advocacy updates
4. Advocacy is not a one-day event; it is an everyday action.
More information here!
1. Attend Focus Day on February 17, 2025, in Olympia
2. Participate in Focus on Advocacy Week February 10-14, 2025
3. Share WSPTA advocacy updates
4. Advocacy is not a one-day event; it is an everyday action.
More information here!
December 2024 Update
Upcoming Legislative Preview Sessions
“What to Expect in the 2025 Legislative Session” on December 17 from 7:00 – 8:00 pm
Join WSPTA Legislative Consultant Marie Sullivan for an overview of what to expect in the 2025 legislative session, including post-election changes in the legislature, known session protocols, and how to best engage with the 2025 legislature during this long session.
Register here:
https://wastatepta.org/event/what-to-expect-in-the-2025-legislative-session/
2025 Legislative Session Preview: Legislator Panel” on January 8 from 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Join WSPTA Legislative Consultant Marie Sullivan and leaders of the Washington State Legislature for a discussion about priorities during the 2025 Legislative Session. Confirmed speakers coming soon.
Register here: https://www.wastatepta.org/event/2025-legislative-session-preview-legislator-panel/
“What to Expect in the 2025 Legislative Session” on December 17 from 7:00 – 8:00 pm
Join WSPTA Legislative Consultant Marie Sullivan for an overview of what to expect in the 2025 legislative session, including post-election changes in the legislature, known session protocols, and how to best engage with the 2025 legislature during this long session.
Register here:
https://wastatepta.org/event/what-to-expect-in-the-2025-legislative-session/
2025 Legislative Session Preview: Legislator Panel” on January 8 from 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Join WSPTA Legislative Consultant Marie Sullivan and leaders of the Washington State Legislature for a discussion about priorities during the 2025 Legislative Session. Confirmed speakers coming soon.
Register here: https://www.wastatepta.org/event/2025-legislative-session-preview-legislator-panel/
November 2024 Update
WSPTA held its 46th annual Legislative Assembly on October 26-27. This year, over 110 delegates attended the in-person event, where they listened to educational videos regarding the proposed issues, participated in caucus sessions, and attended training and panel discussions. The event was packed with great speakers and panels, including state legislators, school board members, superintendents, and other leaders in K-12 education.
There were 7 issues proposed at the legislative assembly. All 7 issues were adopted. WSPTA members from across the state then voted for the Top 5 list. The remaining two issues will be put in the “also supported” category. Delegates also adopted 3 new resolutions and 1 amended resolution.
Read the full Legislative Assembly recap here
There were 7 issues proposed at the legislative assembly. All 7 issues were adopted. WSPTA members from across the state then voted for the Top 5 list. The remaining two issues will be put in the “also supported” category. Delegates also adopted 3 new resolutions and 1 amended resolution.
Read the full Legislative Assembly recap here
WSPTA held its 46th annual Legislative Assembly on October 26-27. This year, over 110 delegates attended the in-person event, where they listened to educational videos regarding the proposed issues, participated in caucus sessions, and attended training and panel discussions. The event was packed with great speakers and panels, including state legislators, school board members, superintendents, and other leaders in K-12 education.
There were 7 issues proposed at the legislative assembly. All 7 issues were adopted. WSPTA members from across the state then voted for the Top 5 list. The remaining two issues will be put in the “also supported” category. Delegates also adopted 3 new resolutions and 1 amended resolution.
Read the full Legislative Assembly recap here
There were 7 issues proposed at the legislative assembly. All 7 issues were adopted. WSPTA members from across the state then voted for the Top 5 list. The remaining two issues will be put in the “also supported” category. Delegates also adopted 3 new resolutions and 1 amended resolution.
Read the full Legislative Assembly recap here
The remaining issues, Mitigating the Adverse Impacts of Climate Change and Increasing Educational Equity by Closing the Digital Divide will be added to the "Also Supported" list of our short-term legislative priorities.
October 2024 Update
High School Voter Registration Drive
Everett Council PTSA collaborated with Henry M Jackson and Everett High schools and their PTA leaders to host a voter registration drive. The goal for this was to register or pre-register eligible students. This was a wonderful learning opportunity for our PTA and students in community and civic engagement. Thank you to Everett and Jackson HS volunteers!!
You can register to vote here:
https://olvr.votewa.gov/OLVR2024/Landing.aspx
16- and 17-year olds can register at the same link as Future Voters! Information about the Future Voter Program can be found here: https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/voters/voter-eligibility-resources/future-voter-program
Everett Council PTSA collaborated with Henry M Jackson and Everett High schools and their PTA leaders to host a voter registration drive. The goal for this was to register or pre-register eligible students. This was a wonderful learning opportunity for our PTA and students in community and civic engagement. Thank you to Everett and Jackson HS volunteers!!
You can register to vote here:
https://olvr.votewa.gov/OLVR2024/Landing.aspx
16- and 17-year olds can register at the same link as Future Voters! Information about the Future Voter Program can be found here: https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/voters/voter-eligibility-resources/future-voter-program
Take Our Survey
ATTENTION local PTA leaders, we need your help!! Please send this survey out to all your members. We need the membership to take this survey and help your local and council delegates attending the WSPTA legislative assembly.
By taking this survey, you are choosing to use your voice and help the delegates from your school know what priorities are important to you.
Register to Vote
Elections are less than a month away! If you are registered to vote, your ballots will be sent in mail within the next week or so. If you need to register or make updates, please click the link here. Online registration deadline is Oct 28th:
https://olvr.votewa.gov/OLVR2024/landing.aspx
WSPTA Update
WSPTA Opposes Initiative 2109 and 2117
WSPTA sent out a press release in July 2024 stating its opposition to Initiatives 2109 and 2117. Both of these initiatives will be on the November ballot. Some of the highlights of WSPTA’s position are below. For a full read and other FAQ, visit the site here.
Initiative 2109
Washington State PTA opposes Initiative 2109, which would repeal the capital gains tax – a critical and significant source of revenue for education and school construction. In 2021 the Washington State Legislature approved a tax on capital gains from the sale of stocks, bonds, and other capital assets when the profit is over $250,000, excluding retirement accounts and primary residences, with the revenues from that tax going directly to support public education (2) …In 2023, according to the Washington State Department of Revenue, the tax only affected 3,895 taxpayers (0.2% of all households), but raised $895 million in revenues, all of which benefit families with students in the continuum of public education, from early learning through higher education (4). Click here to read the full article
KEY ADVOCACY DATES:
2025-2026 WSPTA “TOP 5” LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM:
2024-2026 WSPTA SUPPORTED ISSUES:
Everett PTSA Council Advocacy Chair: Dolly Ubriani [email protected]
Region 7 Advocacy Chair: Dolly Ubriani [email protected]
WSPTA Advocacy Director: OPEN, [email protected]
WA State Advocacy Webpage (Legislative Platform, how to take action): www.wastatepta.org/focus-areas/advocacy/
Sign up to take action with “Voter Voice”: https://www.votervoice.net/WAPTA/register
HOW TO FIND AND CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVES AND SENATORS
(from https://leg.wa.gov/LIC/Pages/hotline.aspx)
Click on “District Finder” and enter your address. You will see a list of your legislators. Click on their names to get their contact information.
ATTENTION local PTA leaders, we need your help!! Please send this survey out to all your members. We need the membership to take this survey and help your local and council delegates attending the WSPTA legislative assembly.
By taking this survey, you are choosing to use your voice and help the delegates from your school know what priorities are important to you.
Register to Vote
Elections are less than a month away! If you are registered to vote, your ballots will be sent in mail within the next week or so. If you need to register or make updates, please click the link here. Online registration deadline is Oct 28th:
https://olvr.votewa.gov/OLVR2024/landing.aspx
WSPTA Update
WSPTA Opposes Initiative 2109 and 2117
WSPTA sent out a press release in July 2024 stating its opposition to Initiatives 2109 and 2117. Both of these initiatives will be on the November ballot. Some of the highlights of WSPTA’s position are below. For a full read and other FAQ, visit the site here.
Initiative 2109
Washington State PTA opposes Initiative 2109, which would repeal the capital gains tax – a critical and significant source of revenue for education and school construction. In 2021 the Washington State Legislature approved a tax on capital gains from the sale of stocks, bonds, and other capital assets when the profit is over $250,000, excluding retirement accounts and primary residences, with the revenues from that tax going directly to support public education (2) …In 2023, according to the Washington State Department of Revenue, the tax only affected 3,895 taxpayers (0.2% of all households), but raised $895 million in revenues, all of which benefit families with students in the continuum of public education, from early learning through higher education (4). Click here to read the full article
KEY ADVOCACY DATES:
- October 26-27, 2024 | WSPTA Legislative Assembly
- December 17, 2024 | WSPTA What to Expect in the 2025 Legislative Session Webinar
- January 8, 2025 | WSPTA 2025 Legislative Session Preview: Legislator Panel
- February 10 - 14, 2025 | WSPTA Focus on Advocacy Week
- February 17, 2025 | WSPTA Focus on Advocacy Day (kids welcome!) Subscribe to WSPTA Action Alerts
2025-2026 WSPTA “TOP 5” LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM:
- Closing the Funding Gaps
- Addressing the Student Mental Health Crisis
- Addressing Funding, Inclusion, and Supports in Special Education
- Preventing and Reducing Gun Violence and Suicide
- Expanding School Construction Funding Options
2024-2026 WSPTA SUPPORTED ISSUES:
- Mitigating the Adverse Impacts of Climate Change
- Creating an Effective and Diverse Educator Workforce
Everett PTSA Council Advocacy Chair: Dolly Ubriani [email protected]
Region 7 Advocacy Chair: Dolly Ubriani [email protected]
WSPTA Advocacy Director: OPEN, [email protected]
WA State Advocacy Webpage (Legislative Platform, how to take action): www.wastatepta.org/focus-areas/advocacy/
Sign up to take action with “Voter Voice”: https://www.votervoice.net/WAPTA/register
HOW TO FIND AND CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVES AND SENATORS
(from https://leg.wa.gov/LIC/Pages/hotline.aspx)
Click on “District Finder” and enter your address. You will see a list of your legislators. Click on their names to get their contact information.