PTA Takes Action: Federal Policy Update—February 2012

National PTA has released its 2012 Federal Public Policy Agenda, which highlights the Association’s public policy priorities and offers policy recommendations to Congress and the Obama administration.
 
An executive summary of these research-based priorities can be found online. The agenda is also available in its entirety.

The agenda is a great and timely tool available to educate your members of Congress on National PTA’s Public Policy priorities.

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan Keynotes 2012 Legislative Conference

U.S. Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan has been confirmed as the keynote speaker for the 2012 National PTA Legislative Conference taking place March 6–8 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Washington DC—Crystal City in Arlington, Virginia. 

The National PTA Legislative Conference provides participants with valuable advocacy training and a choice of informative workshops. On the final day of the conference, attendees get to put their training into action by meeting with decision makers on Capitol Hill. 

If you have not already registered, make your plans to attend this outstanding event by registering online.

PTA Congressional Voice for Children Award Winners Named

National PTA is excited to announce that Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA 5) are the 2012 PTA Congressional Voice for Children Award winners! Each year, National PTA recognizes congressional leaders who have exemplified outstanding service on behalf our nation’s children. Sen. Whitehouse and Rep. Thompson will be recognized on March 8 during the PTA Takes Action luncheon on Capitol Hill.

Since taking office in 2007, Sen. Whitehouse, who is a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions (HELP) Committee, has been a steadfast supporter of family engagement, including cosponsoring the Family Engagement in Education Act in the current session of Congress. Rep. Thompson has been a member of the House Education and Workforce Committee since being sworn into office in 2009. Earlier this year, Rep. Thompson played a critical role in saving the Parent Information and Resource Centers (PIRCs) from elimination when he supported the Platts Amendment to the Setting New Priorities in Education Spending Act. In addition, Rep. Thompson has advocated for Title I formula fairness and college- and career-ready initiatives..