Why support Prop. 50, the Election Rigging Response Act?
Donald Trump is making an unprecedented power grab to steal congressional seats and rig the 2026 election before voting even begins. Other Republican states are following suit. They want to steal enough seats to control Congress regardless of how the people vote. This is an emergency for our democracy that will have severe consequences if we don't act.
What does Prop. 50, The Election Rigging Response Act, do?
County elections offices will begin mailing ballots by October 6, 2025. For more on the campaign, go to stopelectionrigging.com.
CFT members join Labor Day events statewide
Thanks to all the CFT members who joined Labor Day events throughout the state this past weekend. At over 1,000 events across the country, workers came together to celebrate the power we have when we stand together for our jobs and our future. The message was simple: workers over billionaires. Check out this great video recapping the events in San Francisco and Los Angeles.
For more on upcoming actions and trainings, check out the take action page on our Fight Back website, including a Cyber Safety and Security training with AFT on Sept. 24. The timely training will provide specific tools and tips to effectively defend against digital threats as well as provide action steps along with insights on how you can increase your privacy both on and offline.
New book by Randi Weingarten: Why Fascists Fear Teachers
On September 16 AFT President Randi Weingarten’s hard-hitting new book, Why Fascists Fear Teachers: Public Education and the Future of Democracy, will hit book stores and online stores throughout the country. The book is a rousing defense of public education as the cornerstone of American democracy. Drawing on history, Weingarten includes powerful stories from teachers on the front lines, and decades of experience with America’s public schools, to present a compelling case that teaching students to think critically is the key to defeating would-be dictators. For more information, and for a link to pre-order the book, click here.
News in Brief
Key CFT-sponsored bills stall in the California Legislature – This past week both AB 477 (Muratsuchi) and AB 537 (Ahrens) stalled in the Senate Appropriations Committee. AB 477 would have increased the base funding levels for our TK-12 schools over ten years with the intention of providing salary increases for all TK-12 school workers by 50%. AB 537 would have extended the California College Promise Program to part-time students in California’s community colleges. The disappointing news comes as the California Legislature has blocked nearly every bill with new spending this term because of ongoing budget concerns. Look for a full report in the coming weeks for other CFT-sponsored and supported bills.
CFT Back to School Tour stops at USF – This week CFT President Jeff Freitas got an opportunity to attend an event with the USF Part Time Faculty Association, AFT Local 6590, and USF Faculty Association, AFT Local 4269 (pictured above) honoring the 50th anniversary of faculty unionization at USF. Later today he will join the Pajaro Valley Federation of Teachers, AFT Local 1936, at a union social in Watsonville.
Inside California Education launches sixth season – Inside California education is launching its sixth season with a new crop of in-depth coverage of California’s public education system. The new season continues their great work featuring innovative programs and inspiring educators across the state in our K-12 schools and community colleges. Episodes are on KVIE and PBS stations throughout California. They can also be viewed on the Inside California Education website.
