Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/34960
of state budget protests in May, State Council delegates met in Los Angeles in early June and approved the second phase of the CTA State of Emergency cam- paign to pressure lawmakers to extend taxes to avoid the catas- trophe of an all-cuts budget. In the short term, the CTA State Council launches State of Emergency Phase 2 B ACTION uilding on the solidarity and energy from CTA members’ successful week Phase 2 of the State of Emer- mobilizing plan targets key Re- publicans and seeks to enlist “Summer Warriors” — educa- tors who will continue to advo- cate this summer and pressure lawmakers to pass the tax exten- sions, preventing deeper cuts to schools, colleges and other vital public services. The long-term goals include educating commu- nities about the need to change tax structures to “achieve ade- quate, stable and ongoing fund- ing for public education and essential public services.” In his final speech to Council delegates, CTA President David A. Sanchez spoke of the calamity that awaits public schools if cur- rent taxes are not extended by July 1 as part of the state budget. “Without those tax extensions, we are still looking at another devastating $5 billion in cuts,” he said. “Obviously, that means more layoffs, more class size in- creases, and fewer instruction days. That’s why we can’t stop urging our lawmakers — espe- cially our targeted Republican lawmakers — to pass temporary tax extensions.” 32 California Educator | JUNE 2011 gency campaign is integrated with a California labor field pro- gram and includes labor coali- tion actions. In addition, Phase 2 includes action themes for days of the week that give chapters across the state the flexibility to get involved: Mail postcards Monday; Toll-free Tuesdays to call lawmakers; We Are One Wednesdays for labor-targeted phone banks and CTA member- to-member calling; Texting Thursdays, to reach out to friends; Field Office Fridays, for visits or protests at legislators’ lo- cal field offices; and Strolling Saturdays, for labor-targeted canvass walks. The entire Phase 2 plan can be found under the “Resources” tab at www.castateofemergency.com. President Sanchez says farewell After four years and two terms as president of CTA, David A. Sanchez praised State Council delegates and educators across the state for rising up time and time again to protect and defend public education. Sanchez recal led how, since he first took office in 2007 as the first Latino presi- dent of CTA, CTA members had mobilized and stopped a harmful ESEA reauthoriza- tion authored by Congress- man George Miller, and how the CTA-sponsored and teacher-led Quality Educa- tion Investment Act (QEIA) had brought new resources and new hope to thousands of at-risk students. Over the years, CTA members have pushed back again and again. Sanchez recounted the success of several campaigns against state cuts to education, such as the mas- sive State of Emergency effort this spring, Pink Friday in 2009, and the statewide “Cuts Hurt” bus tour of 2008. “Fighting for our mem- bers and for public education was the right thing to do. It always is.” It was an honor to represent educators, he said. “It’s easier to lead when you know the people ABOVE: State Superintendent Tom Torlakson and company sing a version of “Hello, Dolly!” in honor of Secretary- Treasurer Gail Mendes. Delegates wear T-shirts honoring President Sanchez. behind you have your back, and I could not have done it without your commitment and support.” Appearing at Council, State Superintendent of Public Instruc- tion Tom Torlakson praised the skills of Sanchez during a special tribute. Torlakson was joined by Assembly Speaker John Perez, former CTA President Barbara E. CTA photo by Mike Myslinski CTA photo by Malaika Costello-Dougherty