Washington State Catholic Conference (WSCC) School Bulletin - Jan. 2015

Dear Catholic school leader,

Welcome to the first legislative bulletin for the 2015 legislative session. This year the Catholic School Superintendents, in concert with the Washington State Catholic Conference (WSCC), will send you emails to keep you informed of major public policy issues affecting your school community. These bulletins will provide updates and action alerts on a regular basis while the legislature is in session. The regular session started on January 12th and is scheduled for 105 days. It is quite possible that an additional 30-day session will be necessary to complete the budget.

Educational issues and the funding of basic public education are at the forefront of debate. Lawmakers are required by the Supreme Court McCleary decision, to increase basic educational funding by billions of dollars. Consensus will be difficult to achieve with the Democrats narrowly in control of the House and the Republicans in control of the Senate with a 25-24 majority. In addition to funding education, legislators will consider issues that impact private schools, including:

- Teacher certification
- Graduation requirements
- Early Learning
- School safety
- Before and after school care

You can make a difference by contacting your two State Representatives and your State Senator on issues affecting your school community. Timing is very important, so WSCC will provide resources for you to effectively contact your legislators as they are considering an issue.

When a bill is being voted upon, you will receive an action alert to send to your legislators. With one click, you will be able to send a message to the legislators who represent your legislative district. The legislative process requires that both the House of Representatives and the Senate pass a bill before it is sent to the Governor for his signature or veto.

In between the alerts, you will receive updates informing you of the actions legislators have taken.

You are encouraged to forward these bulletins to your teachers and parents.

For those of you who wish to learn more about this year's legislative process and issues, links are provided below to regional newspapers: Everett Herald, The Olympian, The Seattle Times, The Spokesman-Review, Tri-City Herald, The Wenatchee World, and the Yakima Herald.

Blessings in the New Year,
~ Sr. Sharon

Sr. Sharon Park, OP
Executive Director
Washington State Catholic Conference
710 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104
www.thewscc.org - wscc@thewscc.org
(ph) 206-301-0556 ~ (fax) 206-301-0558