Thanks to all of your support during Advocacy Week, there are several important bills supporting public schools that have public hearings scheduled in fiscal committees this week (i.e. they have survived one vote and this is the next step).
ASK: Choose the initiative(s) below that speak to you, and follow the link and directions in the action column to have your position noted - this really takes 1 minute!
WHY?: When legislators are considering passing a bill, they will be provided with the number of people who have signed in pro/con. The numbers are smaller then you would think - a few hundred people signing pro is considered significant. Our school can make an impact!
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Bill |
Short summary |
Action |
Action deadline |
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Dramatically increases state funding for school nurses, counselors, social workers, and psychologists |
Monday 1/31 by 3:00 pm |
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Based on a 2019-2021 study, 93% of school buildings in WA were rated 1 star (out of 5) for earthquake safety. This bill creates a bond-backed $500 million grant program to fund school seismic improvement projects. This is an equity issue, as many rural, small school districts do not have access to levy funds for these projects. |
Sign in PRO here |
Monday 1/31 by 3:00 pm |
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SB 5581 - transportation costs |
Requires districts are reimbursed 100% of costs for transporting students with disabilities, who are homeless, or in foster care. SPS currently spends $3 million on Uber, taxis, etc to make sure these students can get to school. |
Sign in PRO here |
Monday 1/31 by 3:00 pm |
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SB 5563 - Enrollment stabilization |
Districts are funded based on enrollment counts. Due to pandemic-related decreased enrollments, but increased pandemic-related costs, this bill is asking districts to be funded at their pre-pandemic enrollment counts. |
Sign in PRO here |
Monday 1/31 by 3:00 pm |
Questions or comments? Please don't hesitate to reach me at advocacy@whittierptaseattle.org.
THANK YOU for taking the time to make your voice heard!
Megan Wildenradt, Advocacy Chair