WE LIVE IN the fourth largest economy in the world, and yet our schools lack the resources to support students and educators. Unstable funding, federal cuts and unfair and disruptive policies have created massive inequities in classrooms and on campuses across California. In our survey of 2,000 CTA members earlier this year, 88% of respondents said that insufficient school funding is a serious issue, citing lack of resources, inadequate staffing and overcrowded classrooms as results.

In addition, educators are increasingly worried about affordability for themselves and the families of their students, including the cost of housing, everyday goods and services, health care and basic household expenses.

Educators reported a willingness to strike for improved teaching and learning conditions, wages and benefits — and have done so at multiple locals up and down the state.

Fully funded schools are the key. We know what works — from the shared governance model of community schools to a district budgeting system focused on today’s students to making our profession a viable and respected option for future educators. We know that billionaires and corporations must pay their fair share to make these initiatives happen. Our union will fight for all this and more in the State Legislature this coming year. Visit cta.org/legislative-advocacy for details.

Our 2026–27 Legislative Platform:
• Protect school funding promised by Prop. 98
• Increased revenue for schools and communities
• Commitment to Community Schools: A model for public schools
• Establish paid pregnancy leave for educators
• Relief for school communities with emergency state loans
• Eliminate 3-year budget manipulation
• Strengthen the teacher pipeline

Photo:  CTA President David Goldberg joined labor unions, community organizations and others in demanding that our legislators close corporate tax loopholes – which would bring in revenue to help fund education and health and social services – at the UnRig California rally and press conference at the State Capitol in March.