National PTA Open Letter to Congress

We wanted to share with you that National PTA has joined with other advocacy groups on the attached letter to Congress demanding meaningful and immediate action to prevent gun violence.  This letter appeared in the print and online edition of USA TODAY.

We, along with the other groups that signed on, will be amplifying the letter from our social media accounts using the hashtag #EndGunViolence.  We encourage you to take action to prevent gun violence and to share this letter on your social media accounts.

National PTA Action on Robb Elementary School Shooting

National PTA President Anna King and Texas PTA President Suzi Kennon issued the following statement on the shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas:

“We are disgusted that 19 children and two teachers were killed at an elementary school today, yet again from gun violence. These precious lives were senselessly taken before they even had a chance to reach their full potential. Allowing these incidents to continue is unacceptable. We demand Congress immediately adopt measures that ensure our children are protected from harm. It’s past time to take action to protect the lives of our children and families.

We urge everyone to join us for our upcoming Hill Day Experience to amplify your voice with your federal representatives on community safety and youth violence prevention. For those in need of mental health support during this time, free resources are available at PTA.org/HealthyMinds.”

National PTA Applauds Biden Administration’s Action on Ghost Guns

On Monday, President Joe Biden announced a new regulation meant to address the proliferation of “ghost guns”—homemade or improvised firearms that lack commercial serial numbers and are unregulated and untraceable. National PTA President Anna King issued the following statement on the new regulation:

“For years, National PTA and PTA members nationwide have advocated for sensible gun safety and violence prevention policies that will help keep children safe, including banning the sale of ghost guns. The use of ghost guns has increased ten-fold from 2016, including in school shootings. Our association applauds the Biden Administration for taking action with a policy that will save lives. This regulation is an important step in addressing the gun violence epidemic our country has endured for far too long.

“In addition to banning the sale of ghost guns, National PTA supports federal restrictions on firearms that would:

• Require knowledge of appropriate firearms use and safety practices, including safe gun and ammunition storage.
• Require a waiting period and comprehensive background check for all individuals prior to purchasing a firearm to screen out illegal firearm purchasers.
• Restrict internet gun sales, including kits that can be used to make and modify guns.
• Tighten enforcement of laws on straw purchases of weapons, and institute some limits on how many guns can be purchased in a month.
• Institute a background check for ammunition purchases.
• Ban bump stocks, military-style semi-automatic assault weapons and large-capacity ammunition magazines.

“Our association also believes policies and legislation must include but not be limited to:

• Fund research on the causes and effects of gun violence on youth and communities, as well as evidence-based strategies to reduce gun violence.
• Establish education programs to teach students, parents and community members about gun safety and violence prevention.
• Fund research of ‘Smart guns’ that fire only after a fingerprint or a PIN is entered, or if used near a particular bracelet.

“While the regulation on ghost guns is a step in the right direction, common-sense legislation must be enacted immediately to help protect our nation’s families. Just on Tuesday, at least 10 people were injured by gunfire in the subway in Brooklyn, N.Y.

“This crisis is destroying our communities, and National PTA and PTAs nationwide remain committed to calling on Congress to implement policies that will prevent more tragedies from occurring. It is a top priority of our association to prevent and eliminate gun violence, promote the safety and well-being of all children, and ensure every child has every opportunity to reach their full potential.”

National PTA Applauds President Biden’s Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Proposal

National PTA is pleased to see the Administration’s FY23 budget proposal addresses long-standing educational inequities that were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as supports whole child learning and development. The proposal includes more than double the funding for Title I, which assists schools serving low-income families, and increases funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)—the largest funding increases in two decades. It also includes $1 billion in funding for school-based mental health supports and services in addition to increased investments in full-service community schools, which play a critical role in providing comprehensive wraparound services to students and their families.

Our association has continuously advocated for improved mental health programs and services for children and families, including access to school and community-based mental health personnel and services. During final FY22 budget negotiations, we mobilized in support of the $1 billion request. We are grateful for President Biden’s inclusion of this crucial ask in his FY23 budget proposal as an urge to Congress and a signal to advocates nationwide that we must come together as a nation to address the mental health crisis facing our youth. Robust and equitable investments in our public education system as well as solutions to ensure the needs of the whole child are met are essential to make sure all children can begin to recover from this pandemic and reach their fullest potential.

Our association also appreciates the continued investments included in the proposal for the Statewide Family Engagement Centers (SFECs) program, which provides much-needed technical assistance and partnership development to states and school districts to foster meaningful family engagement. We will continue to advocate for greater investments in the program to ensure all families nationwide have access to the program.

The long-term success of our nation depends on all children having access to a fair, equitable, high-quality education and having their social, emotional and mental health needs met. We stand ready to work with the Administration and Congress to make sure the vital investments included in the budget proposal become a reality. We urge everyone to join us in our efforts—and particularly for our upcoming Hill Day Experience as part of our 125th Anniversary Convention—as we are louder and stronger together.