The first schedule of the Senate Early Learning K-12 Education Committee for next week has been released and SB 5922 is not yet on it. We need to keep calling, keep writing, and keep advocating for highly capable education in Washington State.
We have made gains. Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles has signed on as our third sponsor. The Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA) supports the bill and let us know they will testify in support IF we can get a hearing.
If you haven’t written in yet, it’s not too late. Even if you have written, there’s another way you can show your support. You can comment directly on the bill, and your comments will be visible to all legislators in all districts across the state.
Your message can be brief and direct:
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I strongly support this bill.
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Highly Capable is an underfunded part of basic education. It is time the legislature has a serious conversation about this issue and this bill will start it.
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Please hold a public hearing on this important bill and vote yes to bring it to the floor for debate.
Be brief. Be direct. Be heard.
Highly capable services in Washington State are underfunded using an outdated formula.
SB 5922 has been introduced in the Washington State Senate to amend the basic education act to provide for a new formula.
As soon as possible, send an email or use the Legislative Hotline (1.800.562.6000) to contact Senator Litzow, the chair of the Senate Early Learning K-12 Education Committee, and ask him to schedule a public hearing on this bill. That’s all you need to say: Please hold a public hearing on SB 5922.
Litzow, Steve (R)
416 Legislative Building
(360) 786-7641
steve.litzow@leg.wa.gov
This bill will go a long way towards fully funding the Highly Capable Program as a part of basic education.
This bill is sponsored by Senators Rolfes, Rivers, and Kohl-Welles. Send them an email thanking them for their sponsorship of this much needed bill.
Rivers, Ann (R)
405 Legislative Building
(360) 786-7634
ann.rivers@leg.wa.gov
Rolfes, Christine (D)
233 John A. Cherberg Building
(360) 786-7644
christine.rolfes@leg.wa.gov
Kohl-Welles, Jeanne (D)
219 John A. Cherberg Building
(360) 786-7670
Jeanne.Kohl-Welles@leg.wa.gov
Tell your friends to do the same.
If –WHEN– the bill is scheduled for a hearing, we will notify you and recommend what actions you should take. Until then, keep calling, keep writing, and keep advocating.
THANK YOU!