Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1546952
Our union leaders and members met numerous times with state legislators at the State Capitol to advocate for paid pregnancy leave. "If it's a problem for our members, then it's worth fighting for. We put in the work required to fill the need and improve the living conditions of working people." —Maya Suzuki Daniels, United Teachers Los Angeles MAY 2026: In a major breakthrough, the governor 's May Budget Revision includes funding for PPL. JUNE 2026: Assembly and State Senate include PPL in their budget plans, signaling agreement on the policy as negotiations continue about implementation. PPL becomes part of the state budget, which the governor signs into law on June 29. JULY 2026: PPL moved into the 2026–27 Education Omnibus Trailer Bill (AB 126) as part of the state budget package, and signed by the governor on July 9. AB 65 continues its way through the Legislature; passage of the bill would enshrine it in state law. JAN. 1, 2027: Paid Pregnancy Disability Leave takes effect, with up to 14 weeks for all public school employees. The pregnancy leave steering committee continues to meet to continue the fight for reproductive justice for all. Incremental progress becomes historic change When the Legislature reconvened at the beginning of this year, there was a shift in attitude about the issue among many legislators, with a marked interest in finding funding for paid pregnancy leave and addressing the issue in the state budget process, rather than solely through AB 65. roughout the winter and into the spring, our members and staff continued to meet with lawmakers and share our stories. ere was finally a massive breakthrough in May: Paid pregnancy leave was in the governor's revised budget. "This was one of the first times I felt the full force of what we can do as a union for educators — about making this a profession that respects the people who can do it," Harvey says. "This victory shows that we don't have to make choices — we as a union have the power to fight for all the things that educators deser ve. As long as we keep fighting for the righteous things people need and deserve, we can win them." After negotiations, the Legislature and governor agreed on a budget that included paid pregnancy leave for educators, which the governor signed into law in late June. With the new leave going into effect Jan. 1, Jones says it's important to now look at other disability leaves as well to see what other improvements can be made to support educators. "Healthy and supported educators make great public schools. is victory shows that collectively we can take on something that everyone says will never happen, organize and win," Jones says. "is all started as a vote of State Council to co-sponsor legislation and turned into a huge organizing opportunity. We have members involved now that never saw themselves playing a role in their union. at's also a huge victory!" 39 F A L L 2 0 26