Celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Every year we observe Martin Luther King Day to reflect on the work that still needs to be done for racial equality. We also remember the vision that Dr. King carried, seeing the connection between achieving racial equality and supporting the labor movement. Most people know Dr. King only as a civil rights leader, but we also remember him as a powerful labor leader.
In fact, Dr. King was assassinated at the sanitation strike in Memphis, Tennessee while supporting 1,300 Black men in their fight against dangerous working conditions and abuse.
The CFT continues to speak out on the racial injustice, healthcare disparity, and economic inequity that has permeated this country. And we follow in the footsteps of Dr. King by recommitting ourselves to the fight against white supremacy, right-wing extremism, and wealth inequality.
Education was integral to King’s vision for a more just society. Share his legacy in the classroom and beyond:
Education largely spared from cuts in Governor’s initial state budget proposal, despite large deficit
This week Governor Newsom presented his initial budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year. With tax receipts down this year, the Department of Finance is estimating a $37.9 billion budget deficit in the year ahead. Despite the deficit, Governor Newsom did not propose significant cuts to education, instead essentially funding K-14 education at a similar level to the current year.
While significant cuts are not proposed, the proposed COLA for schools is just .76%, far below the record increases in the past few years. The Governor’s proposed budget also defers the 5% base funding increase for the University of California.
In a statement released following the Governor’s budget announcement, CFT President Jeff Freitas once again called upon Sacramento lawmakers to consider raising revenue:
“California is the 5th largest economy in the world, and our students and their families deserve a public school system that is fully and equitably funded and equal to the economic stature of the state,” he said. “In order to fully fund our schools and meet the growing needs of our students and our state, all options should be considered, including raising new revenue through progressive taxation.”
For a quick rundown of the Governor’s budget proposal, click here.
Tax on extreme wealth falls in Assembly committee
This week CFT-sponsored AB 259 finally got its hearing in the Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee. Unfortunately the bill, which would have raised billions for our schools and essential services by taxing those with assets over $50 million, failed in the committee.
While we are disappointed the wealth tax failed in the Capitol, the projected years-long state budget deficit makes it more important than ever to continue advocating for increasing revenue through progressive taxation. While schools may be largely spared this budget year, in the coming years that is no guarantee. And CFT will always fight for fully funded schools and against austerity.
Thanks to the thousands of CFT members who signed petitions and advocated in the Capitol for the wealth tax. Your collective work was inspiring. And thanks to CFT Secretary Treasurer Lacy Barnes (pictured above) for advocating for the bill this week in front of the committee.
Problems with FAFSA application impacting students
After a three month delay, the 2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form is now available for students to apply for financial aid to help pay for attendance at college between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025.
While the form is now available to students, NPR reports that there are still issues with how the program will take inflation into account when determining financial aid. Proposed fixes could potentially delay award offers.
Without adjusting families' incomes for inflation, advocates warn that hundreds of thousands of students could either get less Pell Grant aid than they otherwise would have – or not qualify for Pell at all. The lack of an inflation adjustment will also impact a student's ability to qualify for other federal aid, including work-study, as well as financial aid offered by states and schools.
The delay and confusion also significantly impacts the work of high school counselors and AVID coordinators who will need to help students navigate the uncertainty. We will continue working along with AFT to monitor the situation and advocate for an equitable and timely fix.
