CFT advocacy nets $200 million yearly funding for part-time community college faculty healthcare in record state budget

Yesterday Governor Gavin Newsom signed a record education budget that represents a historic investment in our K-12 schools, community colleges, and universities. Included in the budget is the $200 million in funding for part-time community college faculty healthcare that has been the centerpiece of the CFT campaign for part-time faculty equity.

“After months of organizing by thousands of CFT members throughout the state, we are thrilled to see Governor Newsom and the California Legislature commit $200 million in ongoing, yearly funding for healthcare for part-time community college faculty in the state budget,” said CFT president Jeff Freitas in a statement.

“Part-time faculty represent an overwhelming majority of our faculty in our community college system, providing a quality education to millions of California students. Yet for too long they have been exploited with low pay, lack of job security, and inadequate or non-existent healthcare.”

CFT will continue organizing to make critical program changes to the Part-time Faculty Health Insurance Program to ensure healthcare benefits get to the faculty who need it most. The next step will involve local community college faculty unions negotiating the improved benefits with their individual school districts, which is the next phase in the ongoing CFT campaign.

Additional highlights of the budget include:

13% increase in LCFF funding for K-12 schools with help to mitigate impacts on COVID-related absences
$7.9 billion block grant for learning recovery
$3.6 billion for arts, music, and instructional materials
An additional $1.1 billion in funding for K-12 community schools
6.56% COLA and $600 billion increase in base funding for our community college system
Major reforms improving access to the Cal Grant program
5% increase in UC funding
$13 million ongoing funding for UC Labor Centers
And much more for schools and working families

“Even with the historic investment in our schools, we are still outside of the top ten of states for per pupil spending,” adds Freitas. “We must continue to organize to bring the resources to our schools that our students deserve.”

CFT leaders from throughout the state make the grade at CFT Summer School

Thanks to the dozens of CFT leaders and activists who spent this week in southern California at CFT Summer School. The weeklong trainings were an opportunity for new and veteran leaders and activists to sharpen their skills and build the union.

It was also a great opportunity to get to know fellow educators and classified professionals from throughout the state

“This whole experience has been wonderful,” says first-time attendee Teanna Tillery, the sergeant-at-arms of UESF. “Being able to meet people from all different parts of education from preschool to higher education, and to hear about their challenges and successes renews my energy in the work we are doing in my district. I’m excited to take these skills and put them to use when I return to San Francisco.”

Ketanji Brown Jackson joins the U.S. Supreme Court

Congratulations to Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, who yesterday officially joined the U.S. Supreme Court. We celebrate the historic milestone, with Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson being the first Black woman to be nominated and appointed to the court.

Jackson is an experienced, exceptionally qualified jurist who is devoted to the rule of law, the Constitution, and our country’s rich history of democracy and freedom. Her experience in matters of the law is exemplary.

Celebrate the 4th of July while supporting union workers

We hope that you all are able to find some time to safely join friends and families to celebrate this 4th of July this weekend. The Independence Day holiday is a perfect time to think upon the freedoms that we have fought for and which we must still fight for.

As you stock up on food, drinks, supplies, and sunscreen for the weekend, make sure to go for the brands that are made by ethical companies who treat their workers fairly and give them a voice on the job. Head on over to Labor 411 for a list of union made beverages, food, snacks, and more.