Dear John,
As California faces potential $54 billion budget deficit it is time to stand up for schools
Earlier today the Department of Finance announced that the state of California is facing a $54 billion budget deficit because of the COVID-19 pandemic, including a potential $18 billion cut to K-12 schools and community colleges.
In response to the announcement, CFT President Jeff Freitas called these numbers a wake up call to leaders at every level of government, urging lawmakers to make funding schools and community colleges an immediate priority. He also joined AFT and other national and state unions to immediately call upon the federal government to pass a $1 trillion stimulus bill.
“We call on the Congress and the President to immediately pass a $1 trillion stimulus bill that directly invests in states, cities, counties, schools and colleges that desperately need the resources to fight this pandemic,” said Jeff Freitas. “Without these critical funds, the education of a generation of California children, and the health of our state, will be at risk.”
“Our schools are essential to the health and safety of our communities, and will be critical to the economic recovery of our state,” continued Freitas. “In order to reopen schools, and to get our economy moving again, schools will need resources to ensure the safety of our students, school workers, and our communities.”
In addition to the need for further federal funds, the massive budget deficit also underscores the need to pass the Schools and Communities First initiative this November. The initiative will bring in $12 billion in essential funding to our schools and local services that support hard-hit families and students by closing corporate tax loopholes.
Workers who contract COVID-19 while on the job may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation.
Yesterday, Governor Newsom issued an executive order that will make it easier for essential workers who contract COVID-19 to obtain workers’ compensation benefits. The order adds a vital layer of protection for essential workers who are putting their lives at risk during the pandemic. It will allow frontline workers to access healthcare and other benefits from workers’ compensation without costly delays that could endanger their health.
May 9: Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month educator town hall
This Saturday, May 9 at 2:00 p.m. Pacific time all CFT members are invited to attend an educator town hall co-hosted by AFT. In recognition of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, the town hall will address the rise in anti-Asian racism through a cross-racial solidarity approach, discussing solutions for the current gaps in education caused by COVID-19. Register here for the event.
Part-time faculty leader to join CFT President Jeff Freitas on Facebook Live this Friday at 3:00 p.m.
CFT President Jeff Freitas will be joined by Barbara Baer, Co-President of the Palomar Faculty Federation, on Facebook Live on Friday at 3:00 p.m. to discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting part-time faculty and how her local union is organizing to address the crisis. Tune in on CFT’s Facebook page on Friday.
