Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/214242
CTA &You CTA History Timeline Facing dire budget cuts, CTA spent the next few years trying to prevent massive layoffs. The "Cuts Hurt" bus tour in 2008 was followed by Pink Friday in 2009, when education supporters wore pink to call attention to the 27,000 pink slips issued that year. In May 2011, CTA declared a "State of Emergency," and local chapters organized numerous events and demonstrations, culminating with the arrest of dozens of CTA leaders during a sit-in at the state Capitol. By helping to elect Jerry Brown governor, CTA laid the groundwork for Proposition 30 of 2012, which provided the first tax increase for schools in 20 years and prevented further drastic cuts. Also in 2012, CTA defeated Proposition 32, yet another "paycheck deception" initiative. Whether it's at the local bargaining tables where associations are negotiating teaching and learning conditions, in the state Capitol where staff and members advocate for legislation, or at the polling place, CTA has been the pre-eminent voice of educators in California for 150 years. We think founder John Swett would be proud of his legacy. Add this to your timeline. 2005–13 A N Y O N E W H O H A S been a CTA member during the past decade knows the organization has been campaigning constantly to protect public education. Like its founder, John Swett, CTA continues to work tirelessly to ensure adequate resources for California's schools. In 2005, CTA fought three initiatives sponsored by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger that would have implemented a school voucher program, silenced the voice of public employees, and cut away at school funding by altering Proposition 98. Working in coalition with unions, educators and community groups, CTA defeated the governor's initiatives in the special election. That same year, CTA sued the governor for $2.9 billion he borrowed from the state's school funds to fill in budget gaps. In settlement of the lawsuit, CTA sponsored SB 1133, the Quality Education Investment Act of 2006, to provide 500 schools of greatest need with additional resources. Since then, independent research has shown that the QEIA program's reforms are having positive impacts on student achievement, school climate and parent engagement. 2005 2006 2009 2012 It's a clean sweep! CTA President Barbara E. Kerr and coalition leaders celebrate the defeat of Gov. Schwarzenegger's initiatives on election night. The CTA-sponsored Quality Education Investment Act brings much-needed resources and proven reforms to 500 selected schools. Education supporters wear pink on Pink Friday, March 13, to protest the massive wave of pink slips. The passage of Proposition 30 brings new funding and hope for schools, reversing years of draconian budget cuts. Educator 11 Nov 2013 v2.1 int.indd 50 11/13/13 6:32 PM