Originally delivered on 9/3/2018 5:00 pm

SUBJECT: Legislative Newsletter 9_3_18



September 3, 2018


 


The Texas legislature meets every-other-year, and the 86th session will begin in January.  The PISD Council of PTAs will keep you informed about education related topics in this Legislative Newsletter.  School PTA legislative chairs and presidents are currently subscribed, and a webform is available to change your newsletter subscriptions.  Here are additional sources of legislative information.


 


The November 6 elections will include US senator and representative, Texas senator and representative, governor, county offices, and many more races.  There will also be a $750 million Collin County bond proposition.  Prepare to be a voter!

Here are some important election dates.

  • 10/9 - Last day to register to vote
  • 10/22 - First day of early voting
  • 10/26 - Last day to apply for a ballot by mail
  • 11/2 - Last day of early voting
  • 11/6 - Election day

 

Texas PTA will host a Rally Day on Monday, February 25, at the Capitol Building in Austin. We will advocate for children by meeting with legislators and rallying with other PTAs on the south steps.  More information will be available soon on the Texas PTA Rally Day website. If you are interested in joining a carpool for a day trip to Austin, contact legislative@planopta.org.


 

Stop by the main stage at the Plano Balloon Festival at the Collin College Spring Creek campus on Friday, September 21, at 5:00 to hear how community leaders, including at least one local legislator, support PTA to 'Back The Future' of our children.


 


Learn about your PTA role and share ideas with others at the PISD Council of PTAs leadership training on Monday, September 24, at the Sockwell Center in Plano. REGISTER for roundtable sessions and True Colors training at lunch.

Are you the Legislative Chair for your school? Information about your role may be found in the Texas PTA's Advocacy Resource Guide.


 


Everyone is invited to attend the next PISD Council of PTAs delegate meeting on Tuesday, September 25, at 10:00 in the PISD Administration Building Boardroom at 2700 W 15th Street.


 

High school students who are at least 16 years old may be election clerks in Texas.  Find more information HERE, including the benefits, qualifications, and application.


 


A report on 'Violence in Schools and School Security' was released this month by the Texas Senate Select Committee.  It includes legislative recommendations, such as enhanced physical security and more counselors.  Read the REPORT.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott released a 'School and Firearm Safety Action Plan' this summer that includes more school marshals, more emergency training, and more mental health crisis support.  Read the REPORT.

TAKE ACTION

The national PTA requests that we contact our members of congress to oppose the use of federal funds designated for mental health and violence prevention to purchase guns for schools. Submit a simple webform LETTER to your legislators.


 


Advocating for children is in the PTA's mission, and the PTA's advocacy voice is louder with more members.  This is the perfect time to join PTA for the 2018-2019 school year, either with a specific school or through a community membership.