Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1130365
THE GOLDEN STATE HAS TURNED A BRILLIANT #REDFORED As educators have fought for the schools all students deserve, in the Capitol and on picket lines across California, the Golden State has turned a bright #RedForEd. CTA State Council celebrated the successful May 22 Day of Action, which saw thou- sands of educators and public education supporters create a sea of red in the streets of Sacramento (see more on page 38). CTA President Eric Heins said the display of unity in the fight for funded and protected public schools became even more special that afternoon when the Assembly approved AB 1505, the CTA-co-sponsored bill that ensures local school boards have sole authority over charter schools in their districts. "What had already been a great day of advocacy, became historic," Heins said, "as we sent a clear message that all of our students come first." COUNCIL THANKS HEINS FOR FOUR YEARS OF VICTORIES In an emotional tribute, Council thanked President Heins for his leadership for the past four years. In a video to com- memorate his time at the helm of CTA, fellow leaders and colleagues lauded Heins' lifetime of championing the rights of all educators and the promise of the teaching profession. Heins, visibly touched, told Council it was his honor, pleasure and privilege to serve. "It has been a thrill and an honor to be with all of you in the fight for public education and to help our union be there for our members and students even in the most difficult of times," he said. "What's most satisfying for me is knowing that as I step away, CTA remains in your good hands, and is ready to meet the challenges that lie ahead." NUÑEZ: WE'RE STILL STANDING While news headlines foretold the demise of labor unions following last year's Janus v. AFSCME decision, CTA Executive Director Joe Nuñez said CTA has only gotten stronger. Mem- bership has increased statewide, with nearly 20,000 new members in the past year. "To paraphrase the words of Elton John — we're still standing," Nuñez said. "In fact, we're standing stronger than ever!" CTA SUPPORTS BALLOT INITIATIVES State Council delegates approved $1.2 million to support ballot initiatives in the 2020 elec- tion, including Schools and Communities First, which would restore over $11 billion per year to schools, community colleges, health clinics and other vital local services. CTA's May 22 Day of Action turned the streets around the State Capitol a bright red. It's a Wrap! Highlights from CTA's State Council June gathering By Julian Peeples See Eric Heins' farewell video at youtube.com/californiateachers. 53 J U N E / J U L Y 2 019 CTA & You