Join us to #TakeAction4Kids
The General Assembly started on January 12th and will run through the next 60 days.

This year, as an even numbered year, a full two-year budget will be adopted and funding for education will be re-benchmarked.

Our voices are needed!

JOIN US THIS FRIDAY IN A VIRTUAL RALLY FOR EDUCATION!

Take a picture holding a sign, or just write a post on social media about your top priority for improving education. Tag your Legislator, a few friends or a neighboring PTA, and Virginia PTA.

We encourage your PTA to share information with your families and empower them to #TakeAction4kids! Let your families know what policies and changes are being considered, and what is under-funded. Sharing information with your families allows them to share their personal stories and concerns directly with their legislators and elected officials.

Follow Virginia PTA on social media and share with your PTA members. We are regularly sharing information about what is happening during the General Assembly Session, subcommittees to watch, and important bills that are being discussed.
Statement On Following CDC Guidance
Virginia PTA prioritizes the health and welfare of students, staff and families and supports school operating plans that follow the most up-to-date Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines and incorporate the best available science and expertise of doctors and health practitioners. At this time the CDC recommends mask wearing in schools, among other mitigation measures.... 
Following the General Assembly
The hybrid nature of the 2022 session means that you can view House and Senate meetings from home as well as provide remote testimony and written feedback.

The best time to comment on a bill is when it's in sub-committee. You will generally have a minute or less, so you should be brief and to the point. Speakers are called as each bill is read, so you have to watch the meeting until the bill you are interested in is presented and your name is called.

To provide written comment and view public comment on House Bills visit HODSpeak. To comment on Senate bills you should visit the Senate Video Stream page and click on the committee you want to register to speak in.
Writing a Letter to an Elected Official
Legislators want to hear your concerns and opinions on bills they are considering. Letters don't have to be long, just a short statement about what's important to you and why you want your legislator to take a stand for education.

In addition to emailing your own delegate, you can also email the members of the House Education and/or Senate Education & Health committee.

Here are some tips for a compelling letter to your legislator:

  1. Introduce - Share where you live, how you volunteer and the topic you are concerned about. 
  2. Persuade - Tell your story and how this topic impacts you. 
  3. Inform - Add data or statements from our resolutions or position statements
  4. Conclude - Restate your call to action
Visit vapta.org for more information