For Immediate Release

Contact: Mariel Matze, mmatze@edtrustwest.org, (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.