PTA Day at the General Assembly

The Virginia PTA has a long standing relationship with the General Assembly. In January or February each year, the General Assembly hosts PTA Day when members of the PTA from across the state are invited to the Capitol.

PTA Day at the General Assembly is a day of opportunities. It is an opportunity to talk with your legislators about issues of concern to the PTA. It is an opportunity to network with other PTA members from around the state. It is an opportunity to see first-hand how your state government works. It is an opportunity to put into practice the true purpose of the PTA — advocating for all children.

The General Assembly of Virginia meets annually, beginning on the second Wednesday in January, for 60 days in even-numbered years and for 45 days in odd-numbered years, with a constitutional option to extend annual sessions for a maximum of 30 days. The Governor may call a special session when it is deemed necessary, and is required to do so if petitioned by two-thirds of the members of both houses. A reconvened session is held on the sixth Wednesday after adjournment of each regular or special session for the purpose of considering governor’s recommendations to and vetoes of legislation.

The date of the 2011 PTA Day at the General Assembly will be announced later this year.

The General Assembly has provided a toll-free Hotline during its annual legislative session since 1994. The Hotline provides citizens of the Commonwealth with the opportunity to express their views on the issues before the General Assembly. It also provides vital information to the members of the House of Delegates and the Senate of Virginia concerning public opinion on matters before the General Assembly.

During each legislative workday, the Hotline receives calls from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Calls are answered by Hotline Operators who request the constituent to provide a name and address, geographic location or legislative district, the designated legislator(s) to receive their message, and the issue on which they are expressing their opinion. The Operators record the messages and forward the information to the legislators for their review.

If a caller seeks additional information concerning legislation or wishes to speak directly with a legislator, the Operator will provide the appropriate telephone number. The Toll-free General Assembly Hotline is 1-800-889-0229. Callers in the Richmond area may dial: 225-4973.