Dear John,

Governor Newsom’s budget good for schools, but we need long term funding solutions

In his budget proposal released last week, Governor Newsom has once again demonstrated his steadfast commitment to public education. His proposal reflects our state’s commitment to a quality education for students of all ages and to empowering the educators and staff who dedicate their work and their lives to student success.

Highlights of the budget include continued investment in Prop. 98 for our K-12 schools and community colleges, along with support for early childhood education, special education, teacher recruitment and training, and support for community schools. Taken together, the budget is another solid step forward toward achieving a high quality and equitable school system for all California students.

But we still have so much more work to do. For more than 40 years, commercial property tax loopholes have allowed large corporations to line their own pockets while our schools and communities have suffered.

That is why CFT, fellow unions, and community supporters are working so hard to put the Schools and Communities First initiative on the November ballot. The initiative will reclaim over $12 billion for our schools and local communities every year by closing corporate property tax loopholes. See below for how you can get this historic initiative on the ballot.

For more on the governor’s proposed budget, make sure to read CFT’s in depth analysis.

We need you to help qualify the Schools and Communities First initiative for the November ballot

Thanks to all of the CFT members who have worked so hard gathering signatures to place the Schools and Communities First initiative on the November ballot. But we’ve got more work to do and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

With just weeks to go to submit signatures, it is critical that we double down on our efforts to get those signatures and secure over $12 billion in essential funding for our schools and communities.

Please contact your local union or your CFT Field Representative to get plugged in to our efforts to collect signatures. You can also fill out this online form, and we will help get you started.

Calbright president abruptly resigns, as new online only college continues to struggle

Earlier this week, the Board of Directors of Calibright College (the new statewide online-only college) announced that President Heather Hiles is stepping down after less than a year in her position. The abrupt resignation by Hiles follows a troubled launch for the college, which has been hit by multiple controversies and is far behind schedule.

CFT has been critical of Calbright college from its inception, because it duplicates existing programs, diverts critical resources, and will likely recruit students from other districts. The launch of college has also lacked input from faculty stakeholders.

CFT will continue to monitor the college and express our concerns to Chancellor Oakley and the Board of Directors. We are also urging state lawmakers to look more closely into the college.