Legislative Quick Guide -

Listed below are various web pages, links and phone numbers that you can use to keep up with the fast pace of the legislative session.   

Washington State Legislature web site:  http://www1.leg.wa.gov/legislature

You can check the progress of any bill, find a legislator’s contact information or check on hearing schedules. 

Washington State PTA Legislation Page:
http://www.wastatepta.org/legislation.htm

The Washington State PTA’s top 5 issues are explained in detail.  Talking points and other information on current legislative action is available here. 

Washington State PTA Legislative Action Page:  http://capwiz.com/wastatepta.state/main?state=WA

This is a great jump off point to contact your elected officials, find state offices and agencies, track recent votes and current legislation.  While you’re here, sign-up for the grassroots listserv, as well as the legislative listserv.  You’ll get information and perspectives on the various education issues that facing those in Olympia, but at the local unit level.   

Washington State Legislative Hotline:  1-800-562-6000

Want to deliver a quick message to your legislators on an impending vote?  Call this number and let them know.  Legislators’ looks at the number of calls that they get on issues in helping determine how they will vote on the issues before them.  Pick up the phone and let them know how you feel.  Do it often and encourage others to do the same. 

Renton Council PTSA’s Legislative Page:  www.rentonptsa.org/legislative.htm

Find weekly updates on the activities on the Hill from the council’s legislative chair’s perspective. 

And if you’re interested in the ‘other’ Washington:

Senator Cantwell’s website:  www.cantwell.senate.gov

Senator Murray’s website:  www.murray.senate.gov

Congressman Reichert, 8^th CD, website:  www.house.gov/reichert

Congressman McDermott, 7^th CD, website:  www.house.gov/mcdermott

You will be able to e-mail your questions or concerns to our senators and representatives from these sites.  Snail mail to their offices is extremely slow as all U. S. Mail is sent to a clearinghouse to check for any contaminants or other dangerous elements.  Typically a letter via the U.S. mail takes 3 weeks to get to their offices.  If you plan on visiting the Nation’s Capitol, contact their offices 6 months in advance for tour tickets to such locations as the White House, Capitol Building, Library of Congress, Supreme Court, Pentagon, and the Kennedy Center.

U. S. Senate website: www.senate.gov

U. S. House website:  www.house.gov