Newsroom
Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month at school and home
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
The month of May was chosen to commemorate the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States on May 7, 1843, during the beginning of the California Gold Rush. It also marks the anniversary of the completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad on May 10, 1869. Most of the workers who laid the tracks that connected the frontier to the rest of the country were Chinese immigrants.
Take Action: Tell Sacramento no cuts to UC
Thank you to all who took action on the UC budget. The action is now closed.
CFT Responds to Illegal Order to Close Department of Education
SACRAMENTO, CA – Following President Donald Trump signing an illegal Executive Order to shutter the Department of Education, CFT – A Union of Educators and Classified Professionals released the following statement from President Jeff Freitas:
Jeff Freitas: Finding Strength in Solidarity
Union Power for All
By Jeffery M. Freitas, CFT President
California Educators and Classified Professionals Stand United Against Trump’s Agenda of Hate
SACRAMENTO, CA – Following President Trump signing dozens of hate-filled executive orders in his first day in office, CFT – A Union of Educators and Classified Professionals released the following statement condemning these actions from President Jeff Freitas:
Historic Victory! President Biden signs the Social Security Fairness Act
January 6, 2025 update: On Sunday January 5, President Joe Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act! Check back soon for an FAQ as more information on implementation becomes available.
Take Action! Time for the U.S. Senate to repeal the WEP/GPO
Send a letter and make two calls today
Update: On Friday, December 20 the US Senate voted to pass the Social Security Fairness Act, sending it to President Biden’s desk for signature.
On Tuesday, November 12 the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82) by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 327-75. Thanks to the nearly 2,500 CFT members who sent a letter to their congressional reps in less than 24 hours urging their YES vote. Your work made a critical difference!
Five critical bills on the Governor’s desk
Please urge Governor Newsom to sign them
***September 30, 2024 Update – Governor Newsom has signed AB 2245 and vetoed AB 2088, AB 2277, AB 2586, and SB 1182**
Five critical pieces of legislation are on the Governor’s desk. Please take a moment to sign the letters below, urging him to sign these important bills.
CFT and BFT Respond to BUSD Superintendent’s Testimony Before Congressional Committee
BERKELEY, CA – CFT President Jeff Freitas and Berkeley Federation of Teachers President Matt Meyer released the following statement following the testimony of Berkeley Unified School District Superintendent Enikia Ford Morthel before a hearing of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce earlier today in Washington, D.C. The hearing was called to discuss antisemitism in our schools:
Celebrate Women’s History Month
Learn about the history of women in the labor movement and more
Women’s history month is an opportunity to look back at the contributions of women throughout American history. This month we will be posting content on our social media pages that centers women in the labor movement.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Threads to follow along!
Check back here throughout the month for updates and refreshed materials to share in the classroom and beyond.
Governor’s Proposed State Budget for 2024-25
Research Brief
Governor’s initial proposal for 2024-25 budget addresses large deficit without significant cuts or increases to public education funding
On January 10, Governor Newsom presented his initial budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year. With tax receipts down this year and the late tax deadline last year, the Department of Finance is estimating a $37.9 billion budget deficit in the year ahead. Despite the shortfall, Governor Newsom did not propose significant cuts to education, instead essentially funding K-14 education at a similar level to the current year.