Reconciliation bill is a betrayal of working families
Last week President Trump signed the disastrous reconciliation bill that was supported by every Republican in Congress representing California. This cruel law will leave millions sicker, hungrier, and poorer. It slashes healthcare and food assistance, defunds public schools and higher education, shutters rural hospitals, cuts jobs, targets immigrant communities, and explodes the national debt—all to pay for tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy.
As AFT said in a national ad placed in the New York Times, “We’re appalled. We’re angry. And we won’t forget.”
Thanks to the countless CFT members who took part in the campaign to stop the big, awful bill – sending letters, making phone calls, attending street protests, and more. Included in that group are the active and retired members of ABC Federation of Teachers (pictured above), who were turned away from Congresswoman Young Kim’s office last week as they attempted to urge her to vote no on the bill.
While we were not successful in stopping the bill, we have laid the foundation for the fight ahead – including making sure that our Congressional representatives who voted for this horrible bill are held accountable.
Trump administration illegally takes billions from public schools
Last week the Trump administration notified the California Department of Education that it would illegally impound billions of dollars already allocated by Congress for the 2025-2026 school year. At least $811 million of that funding was intended for California students. Following the announcement we released a statement slamming the illegal move, and CFT President Jeff Freitas joined State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond at a press conference demanding the federal government reverse course.
Take action to stop charter school fraud and defend our public schools
The California charter school industry is fighting feverishly to stop much needed oversight following several multi-million dollar scandals that are defrauding the public and abusing taxpayer funds, including in 2019 when A3 Charter School operators stole $400 million of public school dollars. CFT is working to solve this crisis, and we need your help. Click here to send a letter to your State Assemblymember and your State Senator, urging them to vote YES on AB 84, critical legislation that will help make sure scandals like these never happen again.
July 17: Good Trouble Day of Action
On Thursday, July 17, we’re joining with allies across the state and country to participate in “Good Trouble Lives On” events—rallies, town halls, block parties, community trainings and more—honoring the legacy of civil rights icon John Lewis.
The threats we’re facing today demand action—from the Trump administration’s attacks on public education and healthcare to Congress’ rolling back of civil rights. Peaceful, nonviolent action. The kind of action John Lewis championed. Find an event near you.
Is your cell plan funding Elon Musk?
Is your cell phone plan funding Elon Musk? If you’re a T-Mobile customer, it might be. When T-Mobile launches its “T-Satellite” program this month in partnership with Elon’s Starlink service, Musk stands to gain billions. Over the past few years, Musk has spent nearly half a billion dollars to elect politicians who are slashing our benefits, destroying our federal government, and attacking our democracy. Sign the petition today to demand T-Mobile drop Musk’s Starlink.
CFT celebrates Pride!
Thanks to all the CFT members who came out to march in the CFT contingent of the San Francisco Pride Parade on June 29! Check out this great video commemorating the event.
