EdTrust-West Responds to the State Budget Proposal for 2025-2026

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For Immediate Release

Contact: Mariel Matze, [email protected], (510) 879-6208

Oakland, CA — In response to California’s proposed 2025-2026 budget, Christopher J. Nellum, Executive Director at EdTrust-West, issued the following statement:   

At a time when many students of color and multilingual learners are feeling uncertain and concerned, we’re glad to see Governor Newsom affirming that California is a state that believes in and invests in educational equity. This budget proposal maintains and builds upon recent investments in educational equity, investments that will continue to yield meaningful opportunities for communities that have long been denied them. 

 If the incoming federal administration does what it says it will, state policymakers will find themselves standing between harm and the people of California. If the Governor and lawmakers truly want to “Trump-proof” California, this declaration must include a focus on education. This state budget proposal is a great start: it would aggressively invest more in education and keep California focused on ensuring any new resources advance racial equity. We cannot cower to threats against our state’s rich diversity or accept lip service. So, the question is: will legislators just say that California believes in racial justice—or will they prove it by investing in students of color and multilingual learners? In the coming months, we will be working hard on what matters: ensuring the state budget advances educational equity. We hope elected leaders will too.

See Staying Committed to Racial Equity in Challenging Times: EdTrust-West’s 2025 Policy Agenda for more on EdTrust-West’s policy priorities. Our team is available for further comment if needed. Please contact Mariel Matze at 510-879-6208.

 

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 www.edtrustwest.org.

 

Karla Fernandez

Communications Manager

Karla Fernandez (she/her/hers) joins Ed Trust–West as a Communications Manager with over 11 years of experience advancing social impact initiatives.

Karla started her career as a teacher at Chicago Public Schools and UIC College Prep. After teaching, Karla joined United Friends of the Children to support LA County’s youth in foster care as a college counselor. Through Leadership for Educational Equity, Karla also served as a Policy Advisor Fellow for the office of a Los Angeles Unified School Board Member. She solidified her interests in policy analysis and quantitative research during her time with the Price Center for Social Innovation, the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles, and the USC Presidential Working Group on Sustainability. Before joining The Education Trust–West, Karla was the Associate Director for the Southeast Los Angeles (SELA) Collaborative, a network of nonprofits advocating for communities in SELA.

Karla holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology from the University of Chicago, a Master of Public Policy from the USC Price School of Public Policy, and a Graduate Certificate in Policy Advocacy from the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. Karla is based out of southern California and is passionate about using data analysis, communications, and digital strategies for policy advocacy and social justice efforts.