For Immediate Release
Contact: Matthew Hardy 510-703-5291

Sacramento, CA  — The California Federation of Teachers (CFT) released the following statement from CFT President Jeff Freitas, following the release of Governor Newsom’s January budget proposal for 2020-2021: 

“Governor Newsom has once again demonstrated his steadfast commitment to public education in this budget. This budget reflects our state’s commitment to a quality education for students of all ages and to empowering the educators and staff who dedicate their work and their lives to student success. The continued investment in Prop. 98 for our K-12 schools and community colleges, along with support for early childhood education, special education, teacher recruitment and training, and support for community schools are another step forward toward achieving a high quality and equitable school system for all California students.

“But we still have so much more work to do. For more than 40 years, commercial property tax loopholes have allowed large corporations to line their own pockets while our schools and communities have suffered. 

“Governor Newsom’s budget is a solid step in the right direction. Now we have the opportunity to build on this commitment and secure the resources our students and their families deserve by passing the Schools and Communities First initiative, which will reclaim over $12 billion for our schools and local communities every year by closing corporate property tax loopholes.

“Momentum is growing to get the Schools and Communities First initiative on the November ballot, and we pledge to do everything in our power to pass this critical measure and secure the essential long-term funding our students and communities deserve.”

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