We respectfully ask the Washington House of Representatives to pass an education reform package (6696 and 2776) that addresses RTTT and takes a step forward on basic education funding. As parents, educators and business people, we are asking that the House and Senate leadership sit down and find a solution that preserves the progress made in last year’s breakthrough legislation on basic education. At the end of the day, what we’re really asking is that the 2010 Legislature take a constructive step forward to ensure all Washington children have equal opportunity and access to a world-class education.

We think Representative Sullivan’s statement about last year’s historic ed. reform bill captures what we (parents, educators, and business people) hope will come out of the 2010 Legislature: "For a long time we’ve talked about the accountability needed in our education system. We’ve talked about accountability for our teachers and our schools, and accountability for our students who we expect to meet certain standards and pass certain tests. This bill, however, is about accountability for the Legislature.”

As the rest of the country and the world move forward with bold investments in their childrens’ futures, we want Washington State to take its place among the leaders in public education.

Thank you for all that you do every day for the people of Washington, including those 1 million Washington children who do not have a voice.

Lisa and Susan, 2 Moms in Spokane