Chubbuck Elementary PTA Blog: PTA's Role in Lobbying and Legislative Affairs

Kris Mullen sent this in to answer some of the questions we had about PTA's role in lobbying and legislative affairs. Thanks Kris:

PTA Legislative Reps
Why should my school's PTA have a legislative representative?
Parents are interested in and committed to the success of their children at school. For many, this interest motivates them to participate at their child's school through fundraisers, class volunteer hours, PTA, or school parties. Often, however, a gap exists between such local impact and the far-reaching effects of the decisions made in Boise and D.C. Local PTAs benefit from someone willing to bridge that gap by updating local members on important legislation before it becomes law.

With more than 9000 members, Idaho PTA is the largest parent organization in the state. An organization dedicated to the welfare of children and youth must inevitably concern itself with the laws that affect children or those that may be needed to protect them. --Idaho PTA

What is the role of a legislative representative?
This position can be as simple as providing periodic updates to the local members about important legislation and PTA position statements. Watch our regional blog for updates! The role is expandable to include e-mail blasts encouraging members to contact their legislative representatives, attendance at Leg Day and Advocacy Conference, even writing position statements for Idaho PTA. It's important to simply BE INVOLVED and encourage your membership to voice their opinions.

Last session, legislators considered bills to eliminate public Kindergarten, permanently cease transportation funding for field trips, and decrease the penalties for businesses that serve alcohol to minors. Superintendant Tom Luna's committee is debating such reforms as curtailing public education at the 10th or 11th grade. And with current financial limitations but despite Federal stimulus funds , our state's education budget was cut. Our children bear the impacts of such decisions if we do not voice our opinions.
How can we make a difference?
Idaho PTA representatives sit on several key education committees and lobby Idaho's legislature. As an organization, Idaho PTA publishes Position Statements and Resolutions to convey our perspectives on current issues. These documents are produced throughout the fall and voted on and finalized at Advocacy Conference in Boise in November. Any member can propose a PS or R but you must attend the conference to vote. The consensus issues that come out of Advocacy Conference dictate PTA's legislative priorities and impact lobbying efforts throughout the legislative session. Another important opportunity occurs in February, when PTA sponsors Leg Day, a PTA conference in Boise where attendees meet with the legislature and representatives from Superintendant Tom Luna's office. Local PTA legislative representatives are not required to attend these conferences but should ensure that these opportunities are communicated to the local membership and advocate that their unit an attendee.

Part of the National PTA’s threefold mission is to speak on behalf of all children and youth before governmental bodies and other organizations. These advocacy and lobbying measures include mobilizing individuals, local and state units to work with the National PTA in molding specific government programs, policies, and priorities. --National PTA Website
Let your influence extend beyond your school's boundaries. Our students will all benefit! Begin by logging on to the Legislative tab on Idaho PTA's website:
http://www.idahopta.net/legislative.html