California Federation of Teachers
For Immediate Release
Contact: Matthew Hardy, 510-703-5291

SACRAMENTO, CA — California Federation of Teachers (CFT) President Jeff Freitas released the following statement following Governor Newsom’s endorsement of Prop. 15, which would reclaim $12 billion annually for California schools and communities by closing corporate property tax loopholes:

“The 120,000 educators and classified professionals of the California Federation of Teachers are grateful that Governor Newsom has pledged to fight alongside us for the resources our students need to succeed. California schools have been critically underfunded for decades, and are now facing a $20 billion deficit because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Governor Newsom’s support of Prop. 15 is critical to ensure that this essential initiative passes and our schools have the resources they need so that our students receive the education they deserve.

“Wealthy corporations are doing everything they can to defeat Prop. 15, to keep exploiting outrageous loopholes and avoiding paying their fair share, while our kids have the most crowded classrooms in the country, and our communities are denied the resources we need to fight COVID-19. With Governor Newsom on our side, educators and classified professionals will keep fighting to reclaim the $12 billion per year that will help our schools thrive and invest in communities that need it most.”

# # #

The California Federation of Teachers represents 120,000 educators and classified professionals 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.