Educators Applaud Historic Investment in California Public Schools in State Budget Proposal, Commit to Protecting Constitutionally Required Funding for Public Education

SACRAMENTO – California Teachers Association (CTA) President David B. Goldberg issued the following statement regarding the presentation of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposed 2025-2026 state budget:

“The budget released today shows significant improvements in the economic outlook for our state and historic investments to public education. We are excited to see so many transformative education initiatives supported by CTA members come to fruition in this state budget, including investments in transitional kindergarten, school nutrition, and professional development. However, we are concerned that the proposed budget does not allocate the full funding guaranteed by Proposition 98. In the coming months, our union will carefully monitor the required funding levels for schools and community colleges to ensure full funding is provided to our students in a timely manner, without unnecessary delay.

“Despite a promising economic outlook, some school districts have already started issuing layoff notices to educators. We will work to ensure there are no layoffs to educators and school employees this year, especially as we face a budget with higher than anticipated revenues for our state. Layoffs are devastating and chaotic for educators, students, and communities. In this moment, more than ever, our schools must continue to be safe and stable centers for our students and communities.”

Earlier this week, CTA released results from a survey of nearly 2,000 educators across the state, “The State of California’s Public Schools.” The results were eye-opening: 

• 84 percent of teachers surveyed cannot afford to live near their schools.
• 81 percent say their salaries are not keeping up with rising costs for groceries, childcare and other necessary expenses.
• 80 percent have concerns that they would not be able to cover an unexpected cost.
• 69 percent cite high, out-of-pocket costs for often inadequate health care benefits eating into their paychecks.

California is the fifth largest economy in the world. California’s educators, students, and communities deserve robust and stable resources for our schools. CTA will continue to work with lawmakers throughout this year’s budget process to ensure the final budget reflects the will of California voters, educators, and parents to prioritize public schools and colleges and provide the full guarantee of funding required under our state constitution.

California Teachers Association Press Release