FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CFT – A Union of Educators and Classified Professionals
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Contact: Matthew Hardy, 510-703-5291

SACRAMENTO, CA – CFT – A Union of Educators and Classified Professionals released the following statement on behalf of President Jeff Freitas in response to Governor Newsom’s May Revise budget proposal: 

“A better California starts in our classrooms. The investment we make in students today will define who we are as a state tomorrow. Prop. 98 is a promise to every student in this state – their education, their future, and their potential are worth fighting for, even in uncertain times.

“While California’s educators and classified professionals appreciate the Governor’s proposed  4.31% COLA, we stand firm in our demand that Proposition 98 be fully funded. 

“The Governor’s proposal to increase funding for special education by nearly $2.4 billion, and an additional $483 million towards literacy coaches and math support will ensure many of our most vulnerable students have greater access to the high-quality public education they deserve, the services that help them thrive, and the critical support that they depend on every single day. 

“CFT has long advocated for paid parental leave for teachers and school workers, sponsoring and co-sponsoring legislation for nearly a decade. We appreciate Governor Newsom making the proposal to fund 14 weeks of pregnancy leave for both TK-12 and community college educators and staff. Dedicated educators should not be forced to choose between starting a family and serving the students they love.”

“We are heartened that Governor Newsom has proposed a cap on tax breaks for large corporations. But let’s be clear: our students will never get the education and opportunities they deserve if the billionaires and corporations don’t pay their fair share.

“As economic uncertainty looms, we cannot allow our students’ futures to become a bargaining chip. CFT will continue to fight for long-term revenue solutions that protect education funding in good years and in bad – because the strength of our public schools should never depend on the whims of a revenue forecast, or the greed of billionaires.”

“The Legislature now has an opportunity to step up and invest in our schools and classrooms to support and strengthen our world-class public schools.

“We look forward to working with the Governor and the Legislature to ensure that these key proposals move forward and Proposition 98 is fully funded.”

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CFT – A Union of Educators and Classified Professionals represents 120,000 teachers, faculty, and school employees in public and private schools and colleges, from early childhood through higher education. It is the statewide affiliate of the AFT. More information at www.cft.org.