The past year has been especially challenging for higher education, with threats coming from all directions: Chronically underfunded public education needs; politically motivated federal funding cuts; attacks by extremists from outside our communities and even on our boards; and a Federal Administration that detests higher education and appears determined to destroy public education.

These threats are compounded by the sunset in 2030 of Proposition 55, which generated more than $1.6 billion in funding for community college districts in 2024-25. Without any action, the loss of this funding would be catastrophic for our community colleges and public schools (find out how much your district stands to lose at cta.org/Prop55Extension). While 2030 may seem like a long time away, our union family is already working hard to secure that funding permanently, with a signature-gathering campaign underway to qualify an initiative for the November 2026 election and launching a ground game to ensure we win for students of all ages.

“Qualifying and passing a ballot initiative to permanently extend Prop. 55 funds must be the top priority in every community college district in California,” says CCA President Randa Wahbe. “This is an existential threat for our colleges and public schools, which would impact every community. Failure is not an option – our students are counting on us!”

Since 2012, Props. 30 and 55 have generated significant funding through a tax on California’s wealthiest (currently, couples earning more than $700,000). Last year, this meant $56.1 million for Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC) in Walnut, the loss of which would be devastating, according to Mt. SAC FA President Emily Woolery.

“Many programs already face insufficient faculty numbers, including instructional programs, counseling, and additional academic and student support services,” she says. “This means students may have longer waits to meet with counselors or they may see delays in obtaining classes necessary to fulfill the requirements needed to earn certificates and degrees or transfer to other colleges and universities,” she says.

Woolery says their union has been organizing to build awareness and pass the extension in a variety of ways, including communicating with the college’s governing board about the campaign, sharing information during faculty meetings (like Faculty Association and Academic Senate), and now gathering member signatures.

Mt. SAC FA members collected Prop. 55 signatures at their appreciation event.

“We are looking at ongoing activities and considering new ones to speak about the campaign,” Woolery says. “Our end-of-semester coffee event, ‘Cup of Thanks,’ is a favorite member activity that will allow us to reach individual members before they depart for the winter break. When we return to campus in January, we will be in a winter intersession and most teaching occurs online in the intersession, so leadership is currently considering how to outreach to members who will not be traveling to the campus.”

Check out the tools and resources online at cta.org/Prop55Extension, including customizable materials to help spread the word, signature gathering resources, tips on answering tough questions, and a funding loss calculator.