Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1544915
Keep Public Funds in Public Schools P U B L I C E D U C A T I O N is the backbone of our democracy, yet the national tax-credit voucher program created by H.R. 1, the bud- get reconciliation bill passed last summer, threatens to undermine it. This program is designed to divert billions of taxpayer dollars away from public schools and into private and religious institutions. This program offers a dollar-for-dollar tax credit of up to $1,700 per year, far more valu- able than the usual deduction for charitable contributions. This allows individuals to bypass funding public infrastruc- ture and give the money to an intermediary organization, which then funnels the money to private and religious schools. If this program launches as scheduled on Jan. 1, 2027, the consequences will be devastating for the 90% of American students who rely on public education. How the program threatens our communities: • Rural impact: In areas where 20% of our students live, public schools are more than just classrooms — they are vital economic centers. Losing this funding could cripple local economies. • Loss of rights: Students with special needs lose critical legal rights and protections under the Individuals with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act when they move from public to private schools. • Erosion of quality: Diverting billions to unaccountable private entities weakens the quality public education that our students need and deserve. Tell Congress to repeal the national tax-credit voucher program before it takes effect: Contact your representative and urge them to support the Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act. Go to bit.ly/4eS2Mo2 or use the QR code to take action now. —Amy Peruzzaro O U R U N I O N ' S relentless fight — for years — to increase state education funding and per-pupil spending is making an impact. A late 2025 report , "Making the Grade," by the Education Law Center finds that California has jumped to 13th in the nation in per-pupil spending. As of 2022–23, the latest year for which comparisons are available, California spends $19,894 per student annu- ally. (Number one is New York , which spends $29,440 annually.) California was ranked 28th as recently as 2021– 22 ; it has been moving up steadily since ranking a dismal 50th in 2010–11 during the Great Recession. Our union has been key in advocating for increased funding — particularly as the Golden State's economy has improved to currently being the fourth largest in the world. With the wealth in our state, we should be first in the nation in student spending. The power we have in our union is behind the increases in student spending; we must keep building union strength in every local chapter and every worksite. Other highlights in the repor t include data showing California's average cost-adjusted teacher pay is near the top — a reflection of our union's successful effor ts to win professional wages for educators. But contex t is needed: The skyrocketing cost of living here and outrageous health care costs negate any salar y advantage we might have. Finally, the number of teachers relative to students in California is near the bottom of the nation. This is no surprise to educators, as class sizes continue to be a massive detriment to giving students the attention and time they need. There is much work to be done to address these issues, and as always our union is committed to the fight. For the full report , visit edlawcenter.org. Per-Pupil Spending Rises — But Can Improve 54 cta.org Our Union