Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1533049
As your current CTA Secretary-Trea- surer, I am so proud of the work we have collectively done. We have invested more resources into all locals, building on the foundation that both David Goldberg and Leslie Littman laid while they served as my predecessors. Continuing and increasing the investment in our members has been key to helping locals build power, from our presidents release time pro- gram, to our strategic planning and site visit grants, to increasing member opportunities for involvement, we have listened to your needs and acted. When I first ran for this position, I wanted to increase access and understanding of our CTA budget, I said "I want each of you to look at the CTA budget and see a strong, clear budget that uplifts your priorities and voices, all while interweaving programs, departments, governance and staff support." Together we are showing just that. We had an amazing budget cycle with record responses to the budget survey and in-depth conversations at our budget forums. Members voiced that we needed more money for ABC and more opportunities to attend conferences and the 2024–2025 budget reflects those priorities and more. There is always room for improvement, but this shows we are on the right track. As we look at the challenges ahead, we need real solu- tions to our state funding crisis. We need educator supports such as increased wages, affordable housing and paid maternity leave just to name a few. We have many struggles ahead of us and our collective strength will be critical in win- ning the schools our students deserve, where educators are respected, heard and valued while all students thrive. I have partnered with you, worked alongside you and I hope to continue as your CTA Secretary-Treasurer. Our fiscal health is a critical part of our strength and advocacy. This job is definitely more than minutes and budgets, it's about understanding CTA from every angle, being a voice for those not in the room and having a vision for where we need to be. As your current officers, David, Leslie and I have that vision and would be honored to continue to work with you. Notes: • At January's State Council of Education Erika Jones was reelected as CTA Secretary-Treasurer by accla- mation (Jones was unopposed and elected by a voice vote). She will take office on June 26. • Candidates are listed in accordance with the 2024-25 CTA Alphabet. Candidate for CTA Secretary-Treasurer Erika Jones Member, United Teachers Los Angeles; CTA Secretary-Treasurer Below are campaign statements of candidates for CTA officers in the April 2025 State Council elections. The statements are unedited and limited to 400 words. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed are those of the candidates and not necessarily those of CTA and NEA. 53 M A R C H 2 0 2 5 Jones