FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Statement from Marshall Tuck on Governor Newsom’s Proposed 2026-27 State Budget
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Statement from Marshall Tuck, CEO of EdVoice, on Investments in Education in Governor Newsom’s Proposed 2026-2027 State Budget
SACRAMENTO, CA (January 9, 2026) – Today, EdVoice CEO Marshall Tuck issued the following statement in response to Governor Newsom’s proposed 2026-2027 state budget:
“EdVoice commends Governor Newsom on continuing to prioritize education in his state budget proposals. Too many students in California are still struggling academically. The Governor’s historic investment of $149.1 billion for all TK-12 education programs shows a dedicated focus on strengthening California’s public education system in order to uplift outcomes for our students, teachers, and school communities.
Literacy is the gateway for all future knowledge and opportunity, so EdVoice is pleased to see a continued investment in literacy instruction that builds upon the state’s comprehensive literacy plan. This includes an additional $40 million to support the continued implementation of universal screening for reading difficulties in grades K-2, as well as statutory changes on effective screener administration to ensure consistency and quality of results across California’s more than 1,000 districts.
While it is encouraging to see the state’s continued investment in early literacy, EdVoice hopes to see a similar investment in early math. Early math builds critical thinking, problem-solving, and reasoning skills that students need to succeed throughout their academic years and beyond. Yet, California currently ranks 43rd in the nation in fourth-grade math achievement. If we want students to be fully prepared for their academic journeys and 21st-century careers, we must address these gaps now. EdVoice urges the Governor and the Legislature to focus on investments to improve foundational early math skills by the May Revise.
A $250 million investment in the Teacher Residency Grant (TRG) Program through 2029-30 is a positive step to help solve the state’s teacher shortage. The TRG program has supported nearly 5,000 residents and been successful based on retention rates, the diversity of the participants, and the clinical experience embedded in the program. Still, given that teachers are the single most important school-based factor of student success, EdVoice is disappointed to see the absence of new funding for the Golden State Teacher Grant (GSTG) Program. The GSTG program has demonstrated real impact in California’s high-needs schools, as outlined in a policy brief recently published by our sister organization, EdVoice Institute. California cannot solve its student achievement challenges without sustained investments in recruiting and retaining excellent teachers in schools that need them most. As budget negotiations begin, we hope the Governor and the Legislature will make strengthening our teacher workforce a bigger priority. Our students and teachers need our support.
Finally, we strongly applaud the Governor’s proposal to strengthen the governance of California’s public education system. For years, California’s fragmented educational governance system has been a barrier for student success. The Governor’s proposed plan to consolidate oversight of the California Department of Education under the State Board of Education – while expanding the State Superintendent’s role to foster coordination from early childhood through college – will create clearer accountability and will improve support across districts. When the state functions more coherently, districts are more likely to receive timely and relevant support – which has a direct, positive impact on kids’ learning.
We look forward to working with Governor Newsom and the Legislature to ensure these investments translate into real improvements in classrooms and better outcomes for students, so that every child in California has a future filled with opportunity.”
About EdVoice:
EdVoice is a 501(c)4 nonprofit education advocacy organization driving California state policy change to transform our state’s public education system so it effectively prepares all children for opportunities in college, career, and life. To combat the current system’s inequities, EdVoice engages in direct advocacy with policymakers to influence the passage or defeat of key legislation, leads education and awareness campaigns to raise up our policy priority areas, and provides strategic political funding through our EdVoice for the Kids PAC to leaders prioritizing students from low-income communities.
Media Inquiries: EdVoice@ActumLLC.com
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