Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/969549
Xavier Becerra for Attorney General Attorney General Xavier Becerra has a long-standing commitment to, and passion for, students, educators and families across California. He served more than two decades in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he was elected to chair the Congressio- nal Hispanic Caucus. He was the first Latino to serve on the powerful Ways and Means Committee. He believes in protecting the right of workers to come together to nego- tiate proper learning and working conditions, and that California's charter schools must be held to the same accountability and transparency stan- dards as traditional public schools. Ricardo Lara for Insurance Commissioner State Sen. Ricardo Lara has been a steadfast partner and advocate for students and educators. In 2016, CTA worked in partnership with Lara to pass Proposition 58 to repeal bilingual education restrictions in Cal- ifornia public schools. He is the only declared and viable candidate for insurance commis- sioner â the office that would work most closely on regulating insurance companies and health plans â and is dedicated to a thoughtful, inclu- sive conversation on how to achieve universal health care and ensure student health. Connie Conway for Board of Equalization District 1 Former Assembly member and Repub- lican minority leader Connie Conway believes in working closely with all community stakeholders. During the interview, she committed to talking through education issues before mak- ing recommendations or decisions on the Board of Equalization. Board of Equalization Districts 2, 3 and 4 For District 2 , CTA met with state Sen. Cathleen Galgiani and San Francisco Supervisor Malia Cohen. Both demonstrated a core under- standing of education and tax issues; both have worked with CTA. The member-driven process has led to a neutral recommendation. CTA made no recommendation for Board of Equalization District 3 or 4. Ed Hernandez for Lieutenant Governor State Sen. Ed Hernandez has a proven track record in both the California Assembly and Senate of supporting students, educators and public educa- tion. The first in his family to graduate from college, he believes an education is the greatest equalizer in our society, and is an advocate for reinvesting in our pre-Kâ12 public schools, commu- nity colleges and public universities. He unequivocally supports increased accountability and transparency in Cal- ifornia's charter schools. Photo credit: Flickr/Ed Hernandez Fiona Ma for State Treasurer Current Board of Equalization member Fiona Ma is the only declared and viable candidate for the office of state treasurer. She is a lifelong champion for public education and has experience on financial, budget and investment issues that make her highly qualified for this position. She supports a defined-ben- efit retirement system for all educators, and as state treasurer will sit on both the CalSTRS and CalPERS boards. For your personalized recommendations in state and local races, go to cta.yourvoter.guide and enter your address. 40 cta.org