[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 44 (Monday, March 22, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E443]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING FLORIDA PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION (PTA)

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                         HON. KENDRICK B. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 22, 2010

  Mr. MEEK of Florida. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize and 
congratulate Florida Parent Teacher Association, PTA on receiving the 
2010 Outstanding Advocacy Awards. Their advocacy efforts at state, 
local and individual levels were recognized because of their 
dedication, leadership and sustained efforts to positively affect child 
related policy, regulation and legislation. This association serves a 
critical role in helping to provide the best possible educational 
environment for our students throughout Florida.
  As the largest volunteer child advocacy association in the nation, 
the PTA reminds our country of its obligations to children and provides 
parents and families with a powerful voice to speak on behalf of every 
child while providing the best tools for parents to help their children 
be successful students.
  It is important to recognize that Florida PTA is being honored for 
their efforts while facing proposed education budget cuts. The state 
PTA formed a coalition with major education groups during these 
efforts. Unfortunately, Florida ranks near the bottom in the country in 
school funding. But, Florida PTA's initiatives created sustained 
advocacy and generated new-found enthusiasm for parents and local PTAs 
to work together for education funding for Florida children. Advocates 
sent more than 3,000 letters of protest to the Florida Governor and 
state legislators, held regular conference calls with regional and 
local PTAs, developed an advocacy toolkit, and held one of the largest 
rallies at the state Capitol steps. As a result of Florida's PTA 
efforts, Florida legislators did not reduce education funding as 
proposed.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Florida Parent 
Teacher Association for their outstanding achievement. The dedicated 
involvement from parents throughout Florida reflects a strong 
commitment to public education and community service. I offer my strong 
support for Florida PTA and their dedicated volunteers.

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