Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1380872
the UNION CTA's priority in education funding is to ensure the final bud- get provides students and educators with the resources they need to emerge from the pandemic in an equitable manner, focused on opportunities for all. is includes investment in academic programs, increased funding for special education and community schools, mental health and social and family supports, implementing universal transitional kindergarten, providing school meals, investment in teacher training, support for educators in high-need schools, and resources to reduce staffing ratios and hire additional edu- cators. CTA also supports paying down pension obligations to further offset school districts' employee contribution rates to CalSTRS and CalPERS. An unexpected surplus of $76 billion from tax revenue plus $27 billion in federal aid were key to both Newsom and the state legislators' budget proposals. e Legislature must pass a budget by June 15, and Newsom is required to sign it by June 30. A bold budget Governor, Legislature propose big dollars for education G O V . G AV I N N E W S O M and state legislators both proposed $267 billion in total spending in the 2021-22 state budget, with record education funding. Key differences in the respective budgets were being negotiated at press time. Education highlights, in billions: Newsom's May Revise $93.7 Proposition 98 funding for public schools and community colleges — nearly $14,000 per student. $17.3 Federal aid for K-12 schools and community colleges. $8.4 Late payments owed to schools, community colleges. $5.0 After-school and summer school programs in districts with the most low-income students, over five years. $3.3 Educator training and retention programs. $3.0 To convert 1,400 districts and charter schools to full- service community schools. $2.7 To extend transitional kindergarten to all 4-year-olds, phased in by 2024-25. $2.6 High-intensity, in-school tutoring. In addition: $7.0 American Rescue Plan and state funds to expand broadband access for students and rural areas. $4.0 Behavioral health treatment for all Californians age 25 and younger, for a five-year period. $2.0 To create $500 college savings accounts for low- income children and youth, with an additional $500 for foster and homeless youth. Legislative proposals $96.1 Proposition 98 funding (higher because budget uses LAO's higher revenue projections). $11.0 Late payments owed to schools, community colleges (making full restitution). $3.0 Paying down CalSTRS and CalPERS obligations. $0.7 One-time funding to help more students pass "a-g" courses. $0.0 High-intensity tutoring cut from Newsom budget, but such tutoring allowed in $4.6 billion return-to-school funding approved by Legislature in March. $0.9 Ongoing funding for special education — double what Newsom proposes. $1.0 For CalKIDS college savings program. Provides children born in California with a minimum of $25 to invest in the state's 529 college savings plan. 33 J U N E / J U L Y 2 0 21 Advocacy