Legislative Platform - broad statements that define the fields of legislation within the scope of the National PTA or Hawaii State PTSA programs.Our legislative platform is approved by delegates at the Hawaii State PTSA annual convention or Hawaii State PTSA Board of Directors and forms the framework around which legislative activities are developed.

The Hawaii State PTSA has established its legislative platform for the 2004 legislative session based on the following goals:

1) To continue to pursue long-standing positions of the Hawaii State PTSA and of the National PTA

• Continued opposition to vouchers 
• Adequate funding for child related programs
• Continue to promote the welfare of all children
• Promote improved staff development

2) To promote the Hawaii State PTSA's most recent resolutions as passed by our membership

• Support of the development and implementation of a comprehensive reading program with the goal of having every child reading at their grade level by the end of third grade, and which assures the necessary resources to develop each child's reading skills to the highest level possible
• Support of legislation action requiring broad-based community input when a sex offender or other violent crime offender treatment facility proposed in a community
• Support of the Board of Education establishing a decision making process that address placement of soda and candy vending machines on any school campus

3) In support of priorities determined at our Legislative Conference (October 2002)

• Kindergarten Readiness
• Parent Involvement
• Health, Safety and Bus Issues
• Curriculum and Art Education Programs for Students
• Facilities
• Education/Professionalism

The positions, resolutions and priorities covered here were the most prominent areas of concern, addressed at our recent Legislative Conference. It should be noted that the Hawaii State PTSA and National PTA maintain extensive information on a wide range of issues affecting children and their families.You may contact our Legislative Vice-President, for more information.

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Hawaii State PTSA members may view our complete legislative program, including all position statements and resolutions, by logging on to our Members Area at http://hawaiiptsa.org/members/index.html and clicking on the "Advocacy" link.