For Immediate Release
California Federation of Teachers
Contact: Matthew Hardy – (510) 703-5291

The California Federation of Teachers believes that Governor Gavin Newsom’s revised 2019-2020 budget proposal, which he released today in Sacramento, is a commitment in the right direction to fund K-14 public education in California. 

“Governor Newsom’s commitment of a record $81 billion for K-14 public education, along with his proposal for universal preschool and his further investment in CalSTRS, represents a deep and profound commitment to public education, to the students of California, and to the educators and classified employees of our schools and colleges” says CFT President-elect Jeff Freitas. “We are also encouraged with his proposal to maintain funding for two free years of community college and for further investing in the University of California.”

While praising the governor for his budget today, the union was quick to point out that many of the proposed expenditures were one-time funds, and that California continues to chronically underfund public education. Despite being the 5th largest economy in the world, California languishes at 41st in the nation in per-pupil funding.

“Substantial new revenues are necessary in order to give students the quality public education they deserve,” continues Freitas. “We look forward to working with the governor and the legislature to secure stable, long-term funding for our public schools.”

A priority for the CFT and other education advocates throughout California is to pass the Schools and Communities First initiative on the November 2020 ballot. The initiative would restore over $11 billion per year to California’s schools, community colleges, health clinics, and other vital local services, by closing a loophole in current tax law that allows wealthy commercial property owners to evade paying their fair share of property taxes.

Along with other education unions and school supporters, CFT is planning a massive Day of Action in Sacramento on May 22, when thousands will converge on the state capitol to demand more funding for schools and to take a stand against the privatization and corporatization of public education in California.

The California Federation of Teachers 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.

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