California is facing tough choices in a lean budget year. When it comes to education, we appreciate that in many cases, the governor is proposing to shield the most marginalized in our state from absorbing the impact. While the federal administration’s policies are actively undermining students, families, and communities, California has a responsibility to use this budget to strengthen the education systems they and our state rely on.

This version of the budget proposal protects some vital programs, but it could go farther. In particular, we’re relieved to see some of the most important investments in TK-12 schools remain intact, though we’re concerned that cuts to the CSU and UC systems and deferrals at California community colleges will compound the squeeze that students of color and multilingual learners, especially those living in poverty, experience.

Many of the investments in this budget proposal affirm education as a non-negotiable right in California. This is not just a moment to defend our current way of life, it is a call to fight for a more just and fairer California.

Please contact Mariel Matze at 510-879-6208 for support with further comment.

About EdTrust-West: EdTrust-West is an evidence-driven advocacy organization committed to advancing policies and practices to dismantle the racial and economic barriers embedded in California’s education system. For over two decades, EdTrust-West has worked to improve racial equity in education by engaging diverse communities and increasing political and public will to build an education system where students of color and multilingual learners will thrive. For more information, see edtrustwest.org.