National PTA Applauds Enactment of Spending Bills

ALEXANDRIA, Va., (Dec. 21, 2019)—National PTA President Leslie Boggs issued the following statement on the signing of the spending bills last night by President Trump:

“National PTA applauds Congress and the administration for coming together to enact two bills that fund the government through fiscal year 2020 and avoid a shutdown. We also commend Congress for including in the bills a $4.9 billion increase for labor, health and human services and education programs as well as providing funding for some of National PTA’s key priorities. For years, we have urged Congress to prioritize students, families and schools and make investments in programs that make a difference for the education, health, safety, well-being and success of every child.

“Among National PTA’s key priorities, the bills allot $25 million for research into firearm injury and mortality prevention. The bills also dedicate $10 million for the Statewide Family Engagement Centers (SFEC) program. Additionally, the bills include funding increases for Head Start, Child Care Development Block Grants, Student Support and Academic Enrichment State Grants, Title I and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Further, the bills provide over $23 billion for child nutrition programs.

“These programs help ensure that all students have the supports they need to succeed in school as well as receive well-rounded educational opportunities and learn in healthy and safe environments. The investments in these programs are critical to ensure every child reaches their full potential and for the long-term success of our country. We commend Congress for acknowledging the importance of these programs for students, families, schools and our nation.”

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health and welfare of children and youth. For more information, visit PTA.org.

Nominations Open for National PTA’s 2020 Advocacy Awards

For Immediate Release from National PTA:

Nominations for National PTA’s 2020 Advocacy Awards are now being accepted! The deadline to submit
nominations is Wednesday, December 18 at 11:59 PM ET.

National PTA’s annual Advocacy Awards recognize outstanding youth, individual PTA advocates, and local
unit and state PTAs that have done great advocacy work. If you know of an outstanding youth or individual
PTA advocate, or know of a local unit or state PTA that has done great advocacy work, please nominate
them to receive an award for their efforts from National PTA! Winners will be announced in January and
will receive their awards at the 2020 Legislative Conference in Alexandria, VA.

We are counting on you to both nominate strong advocates in your states and promote the awards while
nominations are open. This toolkit is designed to provide sample social media and newsletter messages
that can be used to share the Advocacy Award opportunity with PTA leaders in your states.

About the Awards

Shirley Igo Advocate of the Year Award
The Shirley Igo Advocate of the Year Award is presented to an individual PTA member, who through their leadership
and advocacy efforts, affected federal policy priorities within PTA’s annual Public Policy Agenda. Shirley was a model
of public service and volunteerism throughout her life. She was an impassioned and compassionate leader,
dedicated to moving PTA forward and committed to ensuring that others would follow.

Outstanding Youth Advocate of the Year Award
The Outstanding Youth Advocate of the Year Award is presented to a young person—who—through his or her
creativity, leadership, and dedication, has positively affected policy or change in his or her school or community in a
way that aligns with PTA’s mission and goals.

Outstanding State PTA Advocacy Award
The Outstanding State PTA Advocacy Award is presented to a state PTA that, through their dedication, leadership
and efforts positively affected legislative and/or regulatory policy compatible with PTA’s mission and goals. These
efforts must be based on a statewide issue, involve working with multiple organizations or coalitions through
grassroots collaboration, and contain a public awareness/advocacy training component for PTA members and the
community at large.

Outstanding Local PTA Advocacy Award
The Outstanding Local PTA Advocacy Award is presented to a local, district, council or regional PTA that, through
their dedication, leadership and efforts positively affected legislative and/or regulatory policy compatible with PTA’s
mission and goals. These efforts must include an education/learning component for PTA members and the
community-at-large. Working with multiple organizations or coalitions through grassroots collaboration is preferred.

Missouri PTA is proud of all of our advocates and we’ve heard touching and inspiring stories of advocacy in
action at the local, state, and national levels. Now is the time to share our advocacy successes! Thank you
for being an advocate for all children, our voice is strong because of your dedication.

For ALL children,
Kristina Wilmoth
VP & Director of Legislation and Advocacy
Missouri PTA
[email protected]