Funding expansion for Part-Time Faculty Office Hours Program

CFT is pushing to expand ongoing funding for the states’ Part-Time Faculty Office Hours Program by an additional $90 million per year.

Following a successful CFT campaign, the program’s reimbursement rate to districts increased from 50% to 90% in 2024. In 2024–25, $84.9 million was paid out despite only $23.6 million in annual ongoing funding, demonstrating both high demand and the need for expansion. The increase in funding would stabilize the program and support continued bargaining gains for paid office hours statewide.

Part-Time Faculty Healthcare Program — Expansion to Dental and Vision

California budget leaders are now negotiating the final budget for 2026-27 fiscal year, and have the opportunity to extend the Part-Time Health Insurance Program to reimburse districts for dental and vision health care benefits, making these benefits more accessible to part-time faculty.

Through advocacy at the state and local levels, 94% of part-time faculty members represented by CFT now have access to healthcare benefits, including 72% who have access to the same benefits as full-time faculty. All but two CFT locals have negotiated agreements that provide health insurance benefits for part-timers. In addition, 19 of the 26 agreements ensure part-time faculty with at least 40% appointments have access to the same insurance provided to their full-time colleagues. 

Please sign and share this letter to urge budget leaders to support the increased funding for office hours and access to vision and dental insurance benefits.

Paid Pregnancy Leave

The 2026-27 state budget deal being finalized this month includes paid pregnancy leave for part-time faculty. The deal includes the provisions of AB 65 (Aguiar-Curry), which has been making its way through the legislature. If signed (as expected) by the governor, the deal will establish a statutory right to paid pregnancy leave in California, and provide up to 14 weeks of fully paid leave for pregnancy and related health conditions for public school and community college employees. The agreement includes eligibility pathways for part-time faculty based on hours worked or the average of earnings over a six-month period.

This win comes after earlier versions and previous efforts stalled due to budget concerns. Governor Newsom’s May budget revision included the needed funding in the form of a 1.4% “super COLA,” paving the way for its inclusion in the final budget deal. Stay tuned for updates over the coming weeks.