Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1541528
grab by Texas Republicans working with the Trump administration to gerrymander their Congressional districts, rig their elections and vote to slash funding for public educa- tion, health care and more to provide tax cuts for billionaires. Earlier this year, Trump and Republicans in Congress voted to cut critical funding for special education, school meals for hungry children and health care for vul- nerable families, following attempts by union educators to speak with them and urge them to protect our most vulnerable. "Of the nine Republican representatives in California, several refused to even meet with local teachers in their of fices. Some lied directly to our faces. Th ey promi sed they wouldn't vote for draconian cuts to our schools and our health care — only to go back to DC, side with Trump and vote to harm kids and families here in California," Jones said during the campaign. With Prop. 50's approval, five of these con- gressional Republicans, Reps. Doug LaMalfa, Kevin Kiley, David Valadao, Ken Calvert and Darrell Issa, face much steeper challenges to retaining their seats, which will hopefully make them more accountable to voters in 2026. Gov. Gavin Newsom said the victory was a loud statement from the Golden State. "California made it clear : we're taking back our voice and democracy," Newsom said on Election Night. "Here's to proof that when we act together, we win." Members made videos about why they were voting yes on Prop. 50; see them at bit.ly/ CTA_Prop50videos. CTA Secretary-Treasurer Erika Jones, right, spoke with social media influencer and former educator Mrs. Frazzled in video post. CTA President Goldberg cast his ballot for Prop. 50, urging members and others to do the same, in a short video. "Our union was one of the first to sign on and say we're going to take a stand here. Our impact in this election is not only being felt in your local community and our state, but across this nation." —CTA President David Goldberg 19 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 5