Fight for schools rallies in San Francisco and LA this weekend
This weekend major Fight for Schools rallies will take place in San Francisco and Los Angeles to stand up for students and defend public education against attacks by the Trump administration. The San Francisco rally, coordinated by UESF, will start at 12:00 p.m. at the Embaradero Plaza. The rally in the Los Angeles area, coordinated by UTLA, will take place at 11:00 a.m. in Hawthorne in front of Elon Musk-owned SpaceX headquarters. Additional rallies will also take place in Sacramento, Hanford, and San Diego. Find more details here.
This Sunday, May 18 there will also be a Hands Off our Healthcare canvas starting at 12:00 p.m. in Bakersfield to talk directly with voters about the devastating impacts of the proposed cuts to Medicaid in Congress.
Finally, more rallies throughout the state are being planned for June 14, the No Kings National Day of Action, called on that day because President Trump is planning a massive military parade in Washington, D.C. Follow up with your local union to participate in a rally near you. More details at www.nokings.org.
Governor Newsom’s updated budget proposal a mixed bag
On Wednesday Governor Newsom released his updated budget proposal for the coming fiscal year. Facing a $12 billion state budget deficit, the governor’s proposal spared K-14 education from steep cuts by funding our public schools and community colleges with a 2.3% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).
The governor also lowered his previously proposed cuts to UC from 8% to 3%. Thanks to all the CFT members who wrote letters to the Governor urging him to walk back the massive cuts. In a statement released following the Governor’s announcement, CFT President Jeff Freitas called on the UC to immediately repair the cuts they proactively made, including layoffs of dozens of UC-AFT members, in anticipation of the final budget.
Unfortunately, Governor Newsom also included drastic cuts to Medi-Cal for undocumented adults in his proposal. We have deep concerns about cutting healthcare for some of California’s most vulnerable residents, especially in the context of Republicans in Congress attempting to dismantle Medicaid. Instead, state leaders should find the courage to look to raise revenues through progressive taxation.
Apply now for CFT scholarships for continuing college students
Through this benefit of membership, the CFT has helped hundreds of students reach their higher education goals by awarding them Raoul Teilhet Scholarships. As of February of this year, we have awarded 845 scholarships for a total of $2.37 million.
The Raoul Teilhet Scholarships for continuing college students who are children or dependents of CFT members in good standing are now open and are due by June 15. Students enrolled in four-year courses of study are eligible for $3,000 scholarships; those enrolled in two-year programs are eligible for $1,000. More information is available here.
Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month
In recognition of AAPI Heritage Month, CFT has put together a great set of resources for use in the classroom, and for home, family, and beyond. AAPI Heritage Month is an opportunity to not only celebrate the histories and contributions of the AAPI communities, but also to share stories and debunk myths about Asian communities and to push back on anti-AAPI hate and bullying.
Look for additional resources on the AFT web site.
Culver City teacher honored with helpful teacher award
Congratulations to Culver City Middle School teacher Dee Montealvo (pictured above) for winning the SoCal Honda Dealers Helpful Teacher Award. Dee was one of five teachers in all of Southern California to win this award. Dee is also one of the outstanding Culver City Federation of Teachers, AFT Local 1343, site reps, and is a member of the district labor-management partnership team. Congratulations on this well-deserved award, which includes $5,000 worth of school supplies!
