Union highlights Steyer’s long-standing record of standing with educators, commitment to protecting public education

Sacramento, CA — Today, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer announced the California Federation of Teachers — A Union of Educators and Classified Professionals — endorsed his campaign for governor. CFT represents 120,000 teachers, faculty, and school employees in public and private schools and colleges, from early childhood through higher education.

“CFT is proud to endorse Tom Steyer – a leader who understands the challenges Californians face and who has outlined a clear path to shared prosperity in our state,” CFT President Jeff Freitas said. “As rising costs-of-living push educators and classified professionals out of the communities we serve, Tom Steyer has put forward a plan to bring in sustainable, long term revenue to our schools. His proposal would allow districts to hire more educators to bring down classroom sizes, strengthen pay and benefits to retain staff and attract new talent, and sustain funding to ensure every California student receives the education they deserve.

Freitas continued, “While Trump and Republicans in Congress attempt to strip our access to quality, affordable health care, Steyer has a bold plan to move our state to a single payer system, ensuring families aren’t left scrambling for basic health care. And Steyer has long stood with educators and classified professionals in our efforts to create safe and welcoming schools. He’ll continue to stand with us to ensure ICE doesn’t show up in our schools and terrorize families.

“Time and again, Steyer has shown he is prepared to lead by strengthening our state’s K-14 public education system and standing with the educators and classified professionals who make opportunity possible for California’s students.”

“I’m deeply honored to earn the endorsement of CFT,” Steyer said. “Our educators do some of the most important work in our society — showing up every day for our kids with patience, compassion, and a belief in their potential. At a time when our classrooms are stretched thin and we’re asking so much of teachers and school staff, I’m proud to stand with them and will keep fighting to make sure our public schools and the people who power them have the resources, respect, and support they deserve.”

Steyer has long stood alongside educators and classified professionals. In 2017, he joined CFT members at their annual Convention, urging California’s leaders to defend public education and stand up for students and families. In 2018, he also worked with CFT to mobilize young Californians in support of gun reform, recognizing that educators cannot teach and students cannot learn if our schools are not safe.

CFT joins the long list of support Steyer has earned since the launch of his campaign, which includes the United Domestic Workers, California School Employees Association, the California Nurses Association, as well as Congressman Ro Khanna, Senator Henry Stern, Assemblymembers Mia Bonta, Isaac Bryan, Gregg Hart, Ash Kalra, Alex Lee, Chris Ward, and Rick Chavez Zbur.

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